Eagle Magazine || Summer 2021

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Second Baptist School 6410 Woodway Drive Houston, Texas 77057 secondbaptistschool.org

Established in 1946, SBS provides a world-class education for the leaders of tomorrow. SBS is a learning community for over 1,000 students (PK-12) who enjoy a breadth of educational opportunities – from customized learning experiences to travel exposure to technological advancement. Nurtured by a Christcentered community that edifies the soul and an academically rigorous environment that enriches the mind, SBS graduates are armed with the character, confidence and capability needed to succeed in the world they confront in the 21st century.

Our Mission

The mission of Second Baptist School is to equip students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Our Passion

Our passion is to bring every student into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while equipping them to do with excellence that which God has called them to do.

Honor Code

As a member of the Second Baptist School community, I will not lie, cheat or steal; I will do my best to exemplify Christlike integrity in my academic and personal endeavors and encourage others to act accordingly.

The Eagle is published by the Office of Communications and is mailed free of charge to students, parents, faculty, alumni and friends of Second Baptist School. For more information call (713) 365-2310 or visit our website at secondbaptistschool.org.

Disclaimer: Second Baptist School makes every effort to ensure that all names and listings are accurate and complete. If a name has been omitted, misspelled or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincerest apologies.

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CONTENT LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CAMPUS NEWS

ARTS NEWS

ATHLETICS NEWS

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THINK. LIVE. LEAD.

INTERIM TERM

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2021

ALUMNI

20 QUESTIONS WITH PARENTS

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THINK LIVE LEAD critically

biblically

courageously

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LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear SBS Family, Sixteen months ago the world changed dramatically when schools, churches and businesses closed seemingly overnight. Educators around the world faced their most significant challenge of the 21st century: how to care for and educate children amid a worldwide pandemic.

Our caring community rallied around each other to uplift and encourage one another

Second Baptist School became a beacon of hope to our community, city and country as we courageously reopened for the good of our families and our students, prioritizing in-person Christian education. I could not be more proud of the way our community managed COVID-19 and this season of unknown. While students across the country were denied in-person education and co-curricular activities, SBS students received a safe and robust educational experience.

I am especially thankful for the commitment of our faculty, staff and coaches who remained flexible and engaged during a challenging school year. It is humbling to reflect on the work each one of them accomplished every day with students, both in-person and virtual. I heard stories upon stories of students experiencing great successes, being coached through challenging moments, or serving and encouraging one another in times of need.

Our mission and portrait of a graduate [Think Critically | Live Biblically | Lead Courageously] were on display as we navigated these new challenges and returned to classrooms. With conflicting and constantly changing information, it required prayer, evaluation of up-to-date information and critical thinking by leaders, educators and families. This pandemic and virus uniquely impacted each family. Our community lived biblically with a heart of compassion and care for one another. When times of stress came, and they certainly did, our caring community rallied around each other to uplift and encourage one another. Second Baptist School led courageously, consistently adjusting and seeking to responsibly provide our students with the most robust educational experience possible.

This year, more than ever, provided our community the opportunity to model our mission to equip students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously to impact the world for Jesus Christ. There is no doubt our students could have attended school the entire year without the divine wisdom, strength and protection of God. In His Service,

Dr. Don Davis Head of School

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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR CAMERON KELLY ’22

Communications Fellow

Think critically, live biblically and lead courageously. These words are generously displayed across the SBS campus and in classrooms on small posters. Their blue and gold bold lettered font has become engraved in my mind alongside the school fight song that I could easily recite in my sleep. Though seemingly repetitive, this constant reminder to strive for excellence and live boldly has held a prominent presence in my life over the past few years.

“Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.

We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest.”

– Maya Angelou

As an eighth grader, I woke up one morning to flash flood warnings, canceled school and plans to evacuate to Dallas. Hurricane Harvey. As a sophomore in high school, I woke up one morning to news of a global pandemic, school closures and the idea of finishing my school year virtually. The Coronavirus.

As a junior in high school, I woke up to my mom throwing blankets on me in the middle of the night, announcing our power had gone out. Houston had frozen over. Our pipes burst and school was closed for the week. Through these events, I have grown to recognize that though calamity may be inevitable, the amount of courage in how I face each disaster can be completely controlled by me.

In the years between Houston flooding and freezing the simple phrase “think critically, live biblically and lead courageously” transformed my daily actions and suddenly, from this new mindset, catastrophe did not seem so terrifying. When we live this way, challenges become exciting opportunities that breed ingenuity and highlight our faith. Such a revolutionary motto acts as a weapon a student needs to combat the complexities of high school and the lifealtering phenomena of our ever-evolving world. The caveat is that abiding by any one of these three phrases takes an enormous amount of bravery. However, we are lucky because it is this certain boldness that has become the epitome of our community over this past year.

It took courage to be one of the few schools in Houston to step into school for in-person learning last August. It took courage to find new ways to host pep rallies and athletic events in a Covid-altered world. It took courage to gather socially distanced for chapel and church. It took courage for teachers to navigate new technology and teaching techniques as they spoke to their students in the classroom and through the Zoom screen. It took courage to adapt to a new schedule. It took courage for students, now behind a mask, to make new friends, try out for a new team, give a compliment and share their opinions in discussions. So that even as we walked through the valleys and shadows brought on by a global pandemic and physical distance, our community weaved closer together and courageously pushed forward in faith. This year SBS was not just meeting the moment, we were leading in it.

This story of courage is illustrated through this edition of the Eagle in the lives of students, families, teachers and administrators across the SBS community as even in a year wrought by challenges we continued all the more to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously.

“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold” – 2 Corinthians 3:12

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CAMPUS ARTS ATHLETICS NEWS SUMMER 2021

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Flight Night 2021 By: Joshua Koch for VYPE Media VYPE Media reports on Second Baptist School’s Flight Night 2021.

Despite COVID-19 modifying the usual celebration, the day saw a spirited annual pep rally during the school day and the eventual double header of the women’s and men’s basketball teams against The Woodlands Christian Academy Friday evening.

The Second Baptist School women’s team was the first on the docket, trying to protect a perfect district mark. A 57-49 victory would do just that and push the Eagles to 4-0 in league play. Freshman Olivia Savageau led the team with 16 points, followed by sophomores Olivia Walker and Kate Marshall with 14 points each.

“This was a big win, I think we came out excited and hyped because it was Flight Night,” Olivia Walker said.

“We had already beaten this team, and we are just excited that we came out and played to our potential.”

Savageau added.

we came out excited and played to our potential

Coach John Herndon, who helped guide the program to the TAPPS 5A State Championship game a year ago, has continued to take this season game-by-game with a young team that has just one senior on the roster. “We’re young, and this is truly what I love,” Herndon said. “I love to teach skill and team organization from the ground up.”

With the women’s game in the books, the men went toe-to-toe with the defending TAPPS 4A State Champions.

In a battle with a playoff-like atmosphere, it came down to the wire and TWCA was able to pull off the 55-54 victory to remain undefeated in district play. Despite the loss, the Eagles had many positives, including Jordan Williams ’22 scoring a team-leading 27 points, followed by Jackson Krueger ’23 who finished with 14 points.

The Flight Night tradition continued, and both SBS teams played hard for their community.

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Howdy Partner!

God bless Texas! Our youngest SBS students made the E Gym floor their stage for the annual Hoedown program!

Preparing for weeks, the show was a collaboration of many departments; students practiced their various roles in music, Bible, Motor Skills and their homeroom classes to bring together a show that not only celebrated our Texas roots but also focused on the love of Christ.

Bible teacher Ashley Corbin said, “Hoedown is a beautiful picture of how we should all worship God. The songs praise Him for our beautiful state and country.” Through the songs, students also learned to spread the message of God’s love to others, so they too can know and feel the love of our great God. Even cowboys have to trust God for provision, and this is what students came away with, from the songs to the “Cowboy Prayer,” which Mrs. Corbin described as “a prayer bursting with gratitude, thanking God for providing all the things we need in our daily lives – food, jobs, clothing and His presence.”

Another song said, “God is good all the time!” Music teacher Maryanne Elders elaborates, “My prayer is that these songs will be anchored in their hearts for them to draw on as they grow up and strive to live biblically in this ever-changing world.” She encouraged her students to have the same steadfast trust in God as the cowboys and cowgirls did.

Second Baptist School students learn many scripture verses; for Hoedown, the students memorized and recited John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” James, a PK4 student said, “We learned the most important verse in the Bible!”

Dr. Don Davis shared his pride both as head of school and as a father of a PK4 student, Natalie. “The Hoedown was a huge success and our PK4 and Bridge students shined bright like the Texas star! Thank you to Maryanne Elders, Ashley Corbin, PK4 and Bridge teachers: Sami Killion, Torrey Townsend, Bryce Magnus, Janell Kates and Madeline Jobe and the SBS coaches who poured into our students to make this program happen!”

He adds, “As Natalie loaded into the car Thursday morning, she turned to me and said, ‘Dad, this is going to be the best day ever! I am so excited for my Hoedown.’”

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SBS Talks By: Communications Fellow Cameron Kelley ’22

This year, Mrs. Brooks challenged AP Language and Composition students to pick topics they were passionate about and give a TED Talk on it. We had to do our own research and provide citations for our sources. Next came the speech itself. We wrote our TED Talks in class over the course of a week and were required to cite six sources, demonstrate 15 literary devices, and display three different types of sentence structure. This process compelled us to think critically in order to create a complex and concrete argument.

Once I completed my final draft, I spent days memorizing and practicing my speech. Reciting to our families, friends, mirrors and even our walls, myself and my classmates worked hard to deliver a well-rehearsed speech that sounded conversational and confident when performed. Next, we created professional and visually engaging slideshow presentations to go alongside our words. These slideshows included graphs, statistics and images to drive our points home. Finally, we presented our topics. Each of us had approximately seven minutes in which we attempted to change the way our audience thought about red meat, gymnastics, sports and delayed gratification (to name a few).

These ideas were insightful, impressive and eye-opening.

Topics ranged from the “Psychology of Laughter” and “The Inconvenient Truth about Convenience” to “What Does Your Style Say about You?” and “The Key to Success.” These ideas were insightful, impressive and eye-opening. As a student, it was an incredible way to connect as a class because I listened and learned as my classmates and friends shared their passions, stories and interests. Each speech was unique to its presenter and although I originally believed the presentation would be terrifying, after much preparation I was able to actually enjoy it! My classmate Emma Wentz ’22 shared after her presentation, “I actually want to go again, it was surprisingly fun!” This project worked to improve and develop my own public speaking capabilities. Not only do I now know the details behind a great speech, I also know how to calm my nerves when speaking in front of a large audience. Though challenging, this project forced me to employ skills that will be necessary to master in college and the workforce.

As the next generation of leaders, experiences and teachers like these at SBS prepare us to make an impact on our world. On behalf of the juniors class, I can say I am extremely grateful to gain an education in an environment that is developing me to lead courageously and think critically as I strive to live out my life for Jesus.

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Holy Habits in Eighth Grade Bible At SBS, eighth grade Bible is split into boys/girls. In Mrs. Hopf’s Bible class, eighth grade girls often engage in life altering discussions and exercises. Recently, through their “Holy Habits” unit, SBS mom Susannah Baker helped these young women transform their prayer life.

Susannah Baker recently wrote a book and an accompanying prayer guide that she happily gifted all of Mrs. Hopf’s eighth grade girls. In addition, she spent two full days encouraging these young women and sharing her wisdom with them.

According to Audrey Scarborough ’25, “I walked away from Mrs. Baker’s unit knowing that God listens and wants to hear us talk to Him. I’ve always known I could go to God, but learning a more organized way to pray was really helpful for my prayer life.”

As Mrs. Hopf took the eighth grade girls through the Holy Habits unit, Susannah Baker walked through the days focused on prayer, specifically meditating on what it actually means to PRAY—praise, repent, ask and yield.

Baker explained, “Praise is being real with the shortcomings of yourself and others, recognizing where God is enough.

Practicing consistent repentance is like practicing good hygiene of the heart. Asking is for that bread that is needed for our daily support of life, the substance of our being, that which will sustain us—God. Yielding means surrender, a surrender of the story of our lives into God’s hands.”

Elizabeth Morse ’25 said, “I’ve been using the prayer guide since early February and have felt a difference during my time spent in prayer. It is becoming a part of my routine and a daily thing in my life. It helps me outline my prayers every day and track who and what I’m praying for. In addition, it helps me confront things I need to repent from and give all my trust to God.” She continued by saying, “My prayer life has completely changed. I now know that prayer is a conversation—God can take anything and everything you have for Him to hear and it is critical to always start with scripture.”

Not only are these young women being equipped with the Word of God daily through study, they are also provided with tools to engage in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Proud to be an American Ask Second Baptist School “lifers” and they’ll be able to tell you which president or first lady they portrayed in the annual second grade Parade of Presidents program. This long-standing tradition is full of nostalgia and almost a rite of passage for an SBS Eagle. This year’s second graders participated in this tradition with pride and whimsy, once again bringing to life patriotism and the rich history of leadership in our great country.

As the Parade of Presidents program unfolded with all the pomp and circumstance deserving of our presidents and first ladies, we were reminded of the biblical values our country was founded on. In our SBS community, we hold fast to these values, honoring Christ with our talents, as our second graders so proudly did in their carefully rehearsed program.

In precious pairs, the presidents and first ladies paraded in, confidently holding their heads high and wearing carefully curated costumes. One by one, the students took the stage, speaking clearly and carefully into the microphone, unafraid of the audience of parents, teachers and friends.

Each one shared the legacy of the first ladies and presidents with humor, poise and class. The program even included our newest president and first lady: Jill and Joe Biden, portrayed by Newtie and Sydney.

The legacy of this program lives on from one generation to the next. Alumna, current SBS parent and SBS staff member Brooke Maxcy McGee ’11 says, “It’s so special to have been part of a tradition that began long before me and continues to this day. In 2001, I played James Madison since we didn’t have enough boys in our class to cover all the presidents.” She continues, “I can still quote all the presidents in order because of the song we learned. I love that my own daughter, Clare ’36, will get to learn the same songs and be part of the same tradition in just a few years.”

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Spring Swing 2021 Back and better than ever, the #SBSFamily gathered to celebrate spring sports at Spring Swing! The SBS community came together to celebrate its spring athletes and enjoy beautiful weather—all while watching America’s favorite pastime! Families with students of all ages found something to enjoy in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball field. From inflatables, to food trucks, to great ball games, it was an evening to remember.

The day’s energy was sparked at lower school carpool as senior athletes greeted younger students to school on this exciting Friday. Followed by a visit to lunch, the excitement continued with an upper school pep rally. For the evening events, our JV baseball, varsity softball and varsity baseball teams all played incredible games. Both of the varsity teams won in two close and exciting match ups. The women won 8 to 7 against St. John’s and the men won 3 to 2 against Lutheran South Academy.

According to head softball coach Brandy Mardis, this year’s team is unified and determined, “The girls are having fun, working hard and seeing it pay off.”

Are You a Jesus Freak?

Second Baptist School fourth graders wowed the audience of students, families and teachers with their ’70s themed program, Jesus Freak. Gospel principles told through classic musical hits made for an energized and entertaining performance. With charisma and humor, students shared the gospel message and what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world.

New testament characters, including James, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabus, Stephen and Simon Peter “The Rock,” helped share what a life devoted to Christ looks like. As the program states, “Jesus’ followers are His hands, feet and heart to those around them.”

With stunning solo performances, upbeat dance numbers and bold acting, these fourth graders are truly the “stars of the future,” as Head of Lower School Evette Haberman expressed as she closed the show. She thanked teachers and mentors who made the show possible including lower school fourth grade teachers Spencer Brock, Leah Flanagan, Lauren Lacy and Mary Ramey, special area teachers Liza Brown, Maryanne Elders, Dianna Bolling, Ashleigh Manion, Andrea Sage and SBS parent Nancy Scales. As always, parent volunteers also made this show a success, with festive decorations and their enthusiastic support.

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Stepping Up and Leading Out By: Communications Fellow Cameron Kelley ’22

Years of tradition compressed into a single medallion. SBS Junior Leadership Inauguration is a yearly ceremony that not only honors juniors for their hard work over the past three years of high school, but also challenges them to step up into a new role of leadership as they are rising to the forefront of Second Baptist School.

During the Junior Leadership Inauguration, each junior received a gold medallion on a purple ribbon signifying the Class of 2022’s class color. The inscription on the back of their commemoration quoted Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” These medals serve as physical reminders of the weight that will be resting on the neck of the rising seniors as they step up to courageously lead SBS.

do common things extraordinarily well

Several outgoing seniors shared remarks on their experiences, challenging the Class of 2022 to not take the year ahead of them for granted. Connor Claypool ’21 called his underclassmen to attend and participate in every event possible, claiming that it goes by faster than you think it will. Head of Upper School John Konzelman asked the rising seniors to be uncommon next year.

He charged them to understand their purpose and let it drive them so that they utilize their gifts to serve God and others. As seniors, he hopes they will do common things extraordinarily well, live biblically, and rise to the occasion so that when they graduate a year from now, they will have no regrets.

After receiving their medals, students sat down in the sanctuary pews, their heads bowed and their parents’ and teachers’ hands resting on their shoulders as senior Bible teacher Ms. Jeannene Simonton, affectionately known as “Simo,” prayed over her future students. Having taught some of the current juniors’ older siblings and even some of their parents, Simo shared her excitement about living biblically in the upcoming school year with her new students. Her heartfelt prayer paired with the presence of their parents reminded the juniors that no matter the challenges they face this next year, they will not be alone. With this promise of community, the burden of leadership becomes easier to bear. Senior Willow Bullington closed the ceremony by praying her hope for her friends in the grade below.

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Creating Readers through Relationship

“If students could come away with one thing from my class, it would be a lifelong love of reading,” says fifth grade English teacher Catherine Schweer ’05.

A Houston native who attended Second Baptist School from first through twelfth grade, Mrs. Schweer has been part of the #SBSfamily through multiple generations.

Her mom taught for many years and was head of lower school when she was a student at SBS. Mrs. Schweer speaks fondly of her time as a student, saying, “God blessed me with a wonderful educational experience, and I felt called to provide this for the next generation of kids. I truly loved my student experience at SBS and couldn’t wait to return as a faculty member.

I’m still close with many of my classmates, teachers and coaches.” She continues, “I love that my daughters, Lily and Elle ’34, will experience all of the wonderful people, opportunities and love that I benefited from and enjoyed here.”

Teaching runs in her blood, and Mrs. Schweer is especially passionate about fifth grade. “I love being one of the lucky few who introduces students to the crazy world of middle school.” The culture of her classroom is fun, flexible and comfortable.

Fifth grade English in Mrs. Schweer’s class is about reading and relationships. Mrs. Schweer says, “It is really

exciting for me to see my students uncover their identity as readers. As I exposed them to different genres and authors, they discovered their reading preferences, and consequently take more pleasure in their reading.” For example, Abby Berkman ’28 and Caroline Kell ’28 have both shown tremendous growth this year in their love and volume of reading. Mrs. Schweer shares, “Abby discovered a love of historical fiction and has read several WWII novels, and Caroline breezed through almost 15 fantasy and mythology novels.”

One of our goals at SBS is to cultivate students who value intellectual curiosity. “Reading is important on so many academic levels: it improves student writing, builds vocabulary, gives historical perspective and promotes diversity and understanding,” explains Mrs. Schweer. “Middle school is a formative time in a student’s life in which he or she is being refined through social, academic and spiritual challenges. Books are a great vehicle to learn from someone else’s mistakes or to understand those who are different from us. As students build their capacity for empathy and broaden their understanding of diverse perspectives, it becomes easier to be kind to one another, forgive each other and comfort those in the midst of difficult situations.

When students understand and choose tolerance, they become leaders in the classroom.”

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2021-2022 Prefects and Fellows By: Communications Fellow Cameron Kelley ’22

The Prefects and Fellows are comprised of student leaders responsible for maintaining morale, school spirit, and shaping student perception about what it means to be a student at Second Baptist School. All Prefects and Fellows are selected for their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, love for SBS and commitment to pursue excellence.

As I gradually slip off my well-worn shoes of the Communications Fellow and excitedly step into the new shoes of the Student Life Prefect, I realize how grateful I am with two incredible opportunities to develop not only my leadership skills but also my character.

When I first gained my Communications’ heels, I tried them on with wobbly ankles, but I hit the ground running. Even as I grew comfortable, the process was not without stumbles or falls, but my communications team, alongside my mentor Shari Durrett, was always there to uplift me, encourage me, and teach me invaluable lessons. Because of my growth and experiences over the past year, this time, as I put on these new shoes, I enter them with a sturdy foundation and preparedness to sprint the yearlong journey.

As the Communications Fellow, I viewed my role as an intern, always learning, always creating new initiatives and always meeting to assess my progress. This year as the Student Life Prefect, I view my role as directly engaging with my classmates in goals and projects to achieve a vision. The Fellows

program works to develop practical skill sets and leadership; while the Prefect program provides student leaders opportunities to employ their skills and experiences. SBS Prefects and Fellows not only understand but also work to exemplify Second Baptist School’s mission, passion and values.

The outgoing Prefects have spent the past year working through countless “no’s” and persevering through many challenges as graduating seniors within a global pandemic. These student leaders worked tirelessly to modify plans as they spearheaded efforts of socially distanced community involvement across the SBS campus. Students and staff members alike admired the 2020-2021 Prefects for their positivity through adversity. In their year of service, dedication and selfless leadership, they inspired their classmates to make the most of every presented opportunity.

Head Prefect Connor Claypool ’21 said, “my hope for the incoming Prefects and Fellows is that they stay strong in their mission and goals throughout the year. I know each one of them has the ability to do an incredible job, so I hope they use their strengths for God’s glory to have the greatest impact in our school.”

Newly selected leaders bubble with enthusiasm over the prospect of the year ahead. Entering Head Prefect Danielle Tackett ’22 describes the moment she

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watched her name flash across the screen in the Prefect and Fellows announcement video, “I had my parents on FaceTime and I started screaming and jumping up and down with excitement! I am overwhelmed with gratitude, but also incredibly humbled, knowing that I have an opportunity to serve the community that has supported me over the last three years.” Danielle’s hope for this year is to “challenge the Prefects and Fellows alike to use their platforms to promote positive changes inside and outside the SBS community to ultimately honor God.” Tanner Chapman ’22, future Service Prefect, shares “I am excited to lead the student body in service. At its core, leadership is service and the mission of Second Baptist School calls us to lead courageously.

What better way to lead than to serve our communities and the people who serve us?

I am so excited to come up with fun service projects that will get the student body excited and ready to serve!”

As Kendall Felton ’22 (entering Admissions Fellow) closes with the hopes “to leave an influential, genuine and loving impact on my classmates’ high school experience, similar to the impact of the past Prefects and Fellows had on me.” She voices her aspirations to “create a legacy for myself that uplifts the story of others by representing this school in a way that is fresh, God-led and founded on building connections I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Onward to Upper School

Eighth graders, along with their teachers and families, celebrated the end of their middle school careers and the beginning of the upper school season. Once the students processed in, looking more grown up than ever, Head of School Dr. Don Davis, introduced the program.

Dr. Davis took a few moments to express gratitude to the students and families for their perseverance this school year, thanking them for walking this path with us and allowing us to partner with them in the education of their children. He also issued a brief but meaningful challenge to parents, saying, “These may be the last days you count your time left with your children at home by years,” reminding them to soak up this time together and savor every moment.

the best days are yet to come

Every year, as a final project, eighth grade Bible students write a book of devotions, each sharing from their own faith experiences. Lillian Baker, Cameron Ertan, Olivia Shoemaker, Gianna Fasanella, Jake Miers and Sam Milinski shared their original devotionals with the audience, inspiring us all to have greater faith and trust in God.

Next, this year’s alumni speaker, Margaret Hartman ’13, shared memories from her days as a lifer at SBS, and gave an inspiring message to the students heading into upper school. She praised their resiliency and reminded them that the best days are yet to come. Most of all, Margaret urged them to remain strong in the Lord, holding fast to their faith and remembering God’s goodness. “You are the salt of the earth and the light on the hill,” said Margaret. “Let your light shine before all men as children of God, not just as a product of the culture around you.”

Finally, awards were presented, and our proud eighth grade students received their certificates of promotion. Congratulations to Nate King for receiving the 2021 DAR Good Citizenship Award and Caris Kim and Brandon Sek for receiving the Karen Jensen Scholar Awards for outstanding scholastic excellence.

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Serve #SBStogether

Members of the SBS community spent one morning this spring at Agape Development through Serve Houston, a Second Baptist Church service day where every Bible study class is assigned a project to do together. This was the school’s first time joining in with SBC for Serve Houston, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

SBS partnered with Agape Development, a local service organization founded and currently run by SBS alumni and parents Amanda ’96 and Kirk ’96 Craig. Amanda and Kirk’s four children are current students, Elijah ’21, Sophia ’23, Chloe ’26 and William ’30.

According to the nonprofit’s mission, Agape Development is “transforming [Houston] by preparing Christfollowing, independent community leaders.” SBS volunteers worked on a variety of projects for Agape that included cleaning buildings, washing Agape vans, painting rooms, organizing ministry spaces, landscaping and hauling tires off of building lots owned by Agape.

serving together as a school community

Part of the goal of this project was to give SBS students and their families an opportunity to serve together as a school community. Parents and students from pre-kindergarten through upper school participated side by side.

Courtney Tauber, SBS staff member, said, “We collaborated with the SBC ministry team and the deans of students from each division. Agape was gracious in giving us projects that would work for PK families all the way up to high school students. It was incredibly humbling and inspiring to see all ages and groups from the SBS community come out on a Saturday morning to be the hands and feet of Christ.”

With such a huge response from the SBS community, it is clear there is a desire to serve. Courtney Tauber concludes, “This year, we were thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside Agape Development. They are an amazing ministry and the fact that an alumni and current family runs it made it an even sweeter experience!

We are inspired to provide more opportunities for community service in the future, whether it is through Serve Houston or year-round.”

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You’re So Golden With a higher turnout than ever before, the SBS Golden Girls welcomed over 300 guests to enjoy a culmination of a year’s worth of hard work. After last year sadly passed without this exciting tradition, the Golden Girls were ready to perform for the #SBSfamily.

According to Lauryn Edwards ’21, “My favorite part of Spring Show was getting to be together to perform again.

After not having a show last year, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do Spring Show one last time!”

This year’s show was jam-packed, including performances by the Golden Girls, varsity cheerleaders, Memorial Dance Company, Golden Guys, and talented upper school vocalists. From the moment the curtain opened to its close, the audience laughed, cheered, danced and cried. Leaving a lasting impression, a group of senior guys danced their hearts out on stage as the Golden Guys in a hilarious act choreographed by the Golden Girls themselves.

The Golden Girls’ strong work ethic and bonds of sisterhood were evident in every moment of the show.

Moving from one dance to the next in less than 3 minutes, these young women performed with precision, excellence and grace. Lauryn shared, “The hardest part of preparing and putting on the Spring Show is all the quick changes and many of the behind-the-scenes things we do to make sure the show runs smoothly. We help each other out, even when we are all running around getting ready for the next dance.

While we are not always perfect, we want to make sure we put on the best show possible, so the extra work is worth it!”

What was perhaps the biggest takeaway of the evening was the deep love the Golden Girls have for one another, their coach and for the Lord. The seniors shed many tears as they said their final goodbyes to Golden Girls. The impact of coach Madelyn Whitehead on this special team of young women was witnessed as one by one, the senior girls shared their admiration and gratitude for her leadership, mentorship and spiritual guidance. Coaching like this goes beyond athleticism and leaves a lifelong imprint on the lives of our students, and each Golden Girl shared as much.

View the Golden Girls Spring Show here!

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Rain or Shine, it’s EagleFest Time

On the final day of the school year, you could feel the excitement as students and parents arrived on campus in their EagleFest t-shirts, with umbrellas and raincoats in hand. A last minute weather adjustment moved the parade inside, but the excitement was palpable as students were dismissed to line up by grade level. You could hear chants and laughter fill the Worship Center Narthex! The Cunningham family and SBS Advancement Fellows led the way to the E Gym in the traditional EagleFest parade. One at a time, each grade level was recognized before they entered. Once the final group that included seniors and PK/Bridge students, the “Alpha and Omega,” entered the gym, EagleFest Chairman Kristi Callaway and her son proclaimed, “Let the games begin!”

Game after game, both blue and gold teams fought hard for the coveted EagleFest Spirit Champion title.

From tug-o-war and crab soccer, to three-legged races and flag tag, there was not an Eagle who left the gym without a fight. In the end it was GOLD who was named this year’s champion!

At the conclusion of the games, SBS families made their way to the Fellowship Hall for lunch. Lunch

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didn’t last long, because students were eager to enjoy the carnival and sun! What had been a long, wet and dreary week, turned into a beautiful day for outdoor fun. Families ran from one ride to the next, stopping occasionally by a delicious food truck and the General Store. Upper school students spent their time in two highly competitive Powder Puff games. First, the boys competed in volleyball, where the juniors walked away victorious. Following the indoor match, the girls took to the SBS Athletic Fields for football. Despite the midgame downpour that cleared much of the stands, the girls fought hard and in the end the juniors came out on top, claiming this year’s Power Puff championship.

The carnival was enjoyed by all until the rain couldn’t hold off any longer, marking the conclusion of the fifteenth annual EagleFest. Thank you, SBS families, for contributing to the B. Jane Hursey Faculty Endowment Fund through your participation in this exciting day.

Because of you, SBS is able to continue recruiting talented and competitive teachers to train our students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously.

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Newsies Cast and Directors Show Grit

The cast, crew and directors of the upper school and musical demonstrate in both preparation and performance.

grit

Just as the newsboys of 1899 faced obstacle after obstacle, the Newsies cast, crew and directors faced obstacles in rolling out their show; from Covid procedures to Winter Storm Uri, nothing could keep the Second Theatre Company from executing their show and providing much anticipated entertainment for their eager audiences.

When the lights came up on an early morning scene on the streets of New York City, Zac Decker ’21, playing legendary newsboy Jack Kelly, began with a poignant song. From a realistic fight scene and the elaborately choreographed dance numbers, the students earned well-deserved applause. The highlight of the show for many was the famous song and dance, “The King of New York,” complete with a high energy tap dance that wowed the crowd.

Kendall Felton ’22 also praised the commitment of the theatre directors. “Mrs. Blades and Mrs. Westmoreland

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determination

were incredibly intentional when it came to preparing us for this monster of a production; they were 1,000% involved with making the show look as amazing as it did.”

Through the experience of a double cast, Kendall said the actors were encouraged “to support, assist and love one another through sharing the spotlight and exemplifying Christlike integrity,” exemplifying the mission of SBS. Audrey Bishop ’21, who played Buttons, described how the theatre company experience strengthened her faith. “At the beginning of every rehearsal, our directors led us in prayer to center our focus on using our gifts and talents for the Lord.”

Lead Zac Decker concluded his “dream role” by saying, “My favorite part of any musical at SBS is the community and family that the Arts Department molds. By the end of the production you have trouble saying goodbye because of the blood, sweat and tears you pour into your cast.”

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Jungle Book Kids

SBS fifth and sixth graders started their theatre journey with their very own musical, Disney’s Jungle Book Kids! Students took ownership of every single piece of their performance, from set creation to the acting itself. A springboard into the theatre world at SBS, the musical was designed to be an introduction to the performance and production process. These middle schoolers worked extremely hard to put on a great show, and the audience reaction was extremely positive – and loud!

The students were eager to share about their positive experience. Caroline McKinney ’27 loved playing Baloo the bear. “It was the perfect character for me! Baloo is so carefree and fun to play; I barely felt nervous. The musical was so much fun to perform. Theatre feels just right for me, I am so glad to have an outlet like this.”

Bennett Lane ’27 also learned valuable lessons through the theatre experience, saying, “It was good for time

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management. This experience helped me to use my time wisely during school to finish my homework. It definitely was difficult, but the hard things have the best rewards.”

Beyond the performance itself, the set was decorated by members of the Performance Craft classes. They cut out, decorated, glued and strung together almost 500 individual green and yellow leaves to create the jungle. Even the virtual students in the class participated actively by sourcing and creating a jungle soundscape to play while the audience entered.

Fifth grader Abby Berkman, who played an elephant, said, “My favorite part was watching the show come together from beginning to end.” Learning what putting on a show is all about, the fifth and sixth graders collaborated and created together as a group. They gave of their time and used their gifts to the fullest, glorifying God in all that they did.

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Mid-Semester Jam

Mr. H has made an incredible impact on the growth of the “Instrumental Music Department, revitalizing the interest and musicianship of our students at Second Baptist School. ” Hankamer Chapel became the setting for a concert with a totally different feel; drawing on jazz and rock vibes, students from sixth, seventh and eighth grade band, along with upper school bands, performed classic hits with an instrumental edge. Enraptured audience members couldn’t resist tapping their feet or swaying to the beat of the catchy tunes in the first ever Mid-Semester Jam. “Kendel Hickenbottom’s band students were an expression of creativity and joy. Mid-Semester Jam was an incredible show! The talent and hard work of our band students was evident and Mr. Hickenbottom’s commitment to their expression defines excellence in the arts,” says Director of Middle School Ellen Barrett.

Will Young ’25, tenor saxophone player with three jawdropping solos, says his favorite song was “Beat It,” and the

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audience also loved “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Classic songs with high energy charged the experience for the audience.

Students took ownership of this program by choosing the musical selections. Director of Instrumental Music Kendel Hickenbottom describes the process, saying, “I sat down with students of all grade levels, starting with sixth grade, and played recordings for them, allowing them to pick the tunes we played.” During the concert, Mr. H pointed out that most of the selections were very advanced, making it even more impressive that middle school students were holding their own.

According to Cindy Blades, Director of Arts, “Mr. H has made an incredible impact on the growth of the Instrumental Music Department, revitalizing the interest and musicianship of our students at Second Baptist School.”

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Spring Band Concert 2021

Arts Fellow Ryan Gamble said, “Having the band play my music , especially the responses of the individual band members and the reaction of the crowd.”

was exciting

Second Baptist School band students wowed the crowd in their final concert of the 2020-2021 school year, once again tackling difficult pieces of music with unique flair, this concert was focused primarily on music from the movies.

Especially for fans of the Avengers movies, this show was pure entertainment. With loud energy and enthusiasm, the band students, sixth grade through upper school, showed off their talent.

Junior Ryan Gamble, Arts Fellow for the 2021-2022 school year, opened the show with his own original piece of music. Ryan said, “Having the band play my music was exciting, especially the responses of the individual band members and the reaction of the crowd. Directing the band was a little stressful, but I’m glad that I had that experience and it is definitely something I will remember.”

Seeing a student direct his own, self-composed musical arrangement showcased courageous leadership in action.

Throughout the performance, Mr. Hickenbottom gave passionate praise to his amazing students and the

supportive faculty and staff of SBS. He said, “This year had its challenges, but you couldn’t have found a better place to have your students.” He went on to say, “At Second Baptist School, we have a center. Everything is based on biblical standards with Christ as the center, and that’s the way things should be.”

The finale of the show brought in four choir students under the direction of Rebekah Martin, as they collaborated in a passionate performance of “Joy,” by For King and Country, earning long-lasting applause. Ryan Gamble closed the show by thanking Mr. Hickenbottom for bringing joy this year to his students.

TMEA AREA RESULTS We are proud of our SBS band students for their high rankings in the area competition!

Eunjin (Lucas) Lim ’22 – Ninth on Clarinet Kendalyn Firenza ’23 – Sixteenth on Percussion Ryan Gamble ’22 – Fourth on Bass Dominic Cestero ’23 – Seventh on Trumpet

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Spring Choir Concert: Let Music Live!

This year’s Spring Choir Concert was more than just a final show; it was a celebration of an unforgettable school year, a farewell to seniors and a chance to perform for the #SBSfamily in a year when in-person performances were few and far between.

SBS choir students from seventh through twelfth grade performed for the community with the Honors Vision Choir opened the concert, appropriately, with “Be Thou My Vision,” setting the stage for a show honoring the Lord.

As the program commenced, each choir showcased their unique talents and incorporated fun surprise elements.

The ninth grade choir wowed us with “Blue Moon” and a Godspell compilation, with toe-tapping melodies and even some dancing! “Stand By Me” was the classic highlight of the Concert Choir’s portion of the show to the delight of the audience. Next, the seventh and eighth grade girls choir showcased beautiful young voices with pure sound and confidence; the Wicked song, “Popular,” was definitely a hit!

Later in the concert, the men and women each combined in two moving pieces, “Tell My Father” and “For Good.”

Director of Choral Music Becky Martin recognized special players in the choir program, including TMEA All-state Choir members and the Outstanding Senior Boy and Girl – Stone Heaton and Caroline Bolling. Their dedication to choir, godly character and positive attitude were commended.

In an amazing jaw-dropping finale, all choirs combined to perform “Baba Yetu,” The Lord’s Prayer sung in Swahili, complete with a drum and shaker creating dramatic effect.

Finally, alumni joined seniors on the stage to sing “Blessing,”

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a spring concert tradition.

Seniors and their fans remained after the concert for a special Senior Showcase, featuring moving performances. Head Prefect Connor Claypool narrated the show as one after another, seniors wowed the crowd. Afterwards, everyone in the audience got up on their feet and cheered!

TMEA ALL STATE CHOIR 2021 SBS choir students competed at TMEA and earned a record six spots in the All-State Small School Choir.

Valeska Moya ’21 – Soprano, First place Grace Lunsford ’22 – Soprano, Second place Caroline Bolling ’21 – Alto, First place Eliza Dixon ’21 – Alto, Third place Jett Motley ’22 – Tenor, Second place Stone Heaton ’21 – Bass, Second place SBS choir students learn to live biblically throughout the audition process in competitions like TMEA, as Grace Lunsford ’22 describes, “At SBS, I have learned how to be humble in auditions, to encourage my fellow singers, and most importantly, give glory to God no matter what the result of auditions are or what my voice may sound like.”

Stone Heaton ’21, second place in the bass part of the All-State Choir, shares his gratitude. “I think I am most grateful for the opportunity to be able to compete this year because of all of the precautions that have been put into place due to Covid. SBS has helped me to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously through the care and support from all of my teachers.”

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Spring Art Show: A Big Hit! By: Arts Fellow Becky Gray ’22

inspiring

Ellie Eschweiler, a junior studying 2D art, asserts, “It’s and to see how each artist is creative in his or her own way. Seeing my pieces on display, I felt like I was a part of that.”

fun

With an activity as expressive as art, community remains at the core, fueling perseverance and determination. Second Baptist School art students exhibited enthusiasm and overwhelming joy due to their Spring Art Show being back in-person. This year, the Spring Art Show, which took place April 27-29, presented students an exciting opportunity to present their hard work to appreciative art supporters, face-to-face.

Students from lower to upper school showcased a varied range of artistic topics through various mediums to produce a kaleidoscopic and diverse art exhibit. The gallery definitively emphasized the beauty of variety.

Ellie Eschweiler, a junior studying 2D art, verbalizes this concept, asserting, “It’s inspiring and fun to see how each

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artist is creative in his or her own way. Seeing my pieces on display, I felt like I was a part of that.” Ellie conveys the shared experience of art students at Second Baptist School, where creativity and deviation from the norm is encouraged along with the larger fulfillment of being part of a team.

SBS art students continuously display commitment and passion for their work. With creativity, students impressed their supporters with the best of their art. We give thanks for our talented art teachers who made this show possible – Maddie Long, Sarah McKeon, GeAnna Manners and Nora Ripple. Every day these teachers share their passion for God as our Creator, who teaches us to create.

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Winter/Spring Sports Recap MEN’S BASKETBALL Season Record 17 wins, 8 losses

Academic All-State Jordan Williams ’22 Cole Satterwhite ’22

Awards/Honors Second in District

Coach Kevin Mouton says the highlight of the season was watching the team mature as a group throughout the season.

“Our men’s basketball team finished second in district and shows great promise for the future.”

All-District First Team Jordan Williams ’22 Cole Satterwhite ’22 Jackson Krueger ’23 Second Team Dominic Cestero ’23 Elijah Mouton ’22 Honorable Mention Graham Aycock ’21 Garrett Hughes ’23 All-State First Team Jordan Williams ’22 Second Team Cole Satterwhite ’22 Honorable Mention Jackson Krueger ’23

Olivia Sauvageau ’24 Olivia Walker ’23

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Season Record 19 wins, 8 losses Awards/Honors District Champions Area Champions Regional Champions State Runner-up

Second Team Ella Ryan ’23 Caitie Torn ’22 Honorable Mention Chloe Burton ’22 Molly Johnson ’23

MEN’S SOCCER Season Record 2 wins, 13 losses

All-State First Team Kate Marshall ’23 Leyla Ertan ’21

All-District Second Team Jonah McFarland ’21

Second Team Olivia Sauvageau ’24 Honorable Mention Olivia Walker ’23 Academic All-State Leyla Ertan ’21 Coach John Herndon described the state championship basketball game, “We left it all out there on the floor with

All-District First Team Kate Marshall ’23 Leyla Ertan ’21

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no regrets, only resolve to take advantage of the next opportunity. The future looks even brighter for this young, talented team of women.”

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Honorable Mention Riley Good ’22 Ryder Solberg ’23 Nathan Flato ’23 Academic All-State Jonah McFarland ’21 “With a lot of emphasis poured into building a new team culture and program, we saw a lot of growth,” said men’s soccer coach Doug Walker. “We wanted to be a

brotherhood, a team who plays for one another and finds joy in one another; we wanted to be excellent and give our best to the Lord in all things.”

WOMEN’S SOCCER Season Record 12 wins, 4 losses Awards/Honors Second in District All-District First Team Helena Platis ’22 Naomi Konuma ’22 Mary Claire Torn ’24 Riley Warnica ’24 Second Team Madelyn Arango ’24 Julia Sauvageau ’22 Alexis Gill ’22 Honorable Mention Cameron Kelley ’22

All-State Second Team Helena Platis ’22 Mary Claire Torn ’24

SWIM 2021 TAPPS State Meet Men’s – Third Place Women’s – Sixth Place

Honorable Mention Naomi Konuma ’22 Riley Warnica ’24

Awards/Honors Women’s 400 Free Relay – Second Place Men’s 200 Free Relay – Second Place Men’s 400 Free Relay – Second Place

Academic All-State Naomi Kunuma ’21 Helena Platis ’22 Julia Sauvageau ’22 Alexis Gill ’22 The highlight of the soccer season was the leadership of the junior classmen in a team with no seniors,” said coach Geoff Brooks. “Not only have they led on the field both offensively and defensively, but they have also created a cohesive team environment. Each player put her teammate first in an effort to bring glory to God.”

Individual Awards Leighton Chapman ’23 – Second Place in 200 Free Spencer Locascio – Second Place in 50 Free All-State Second Team Luella Bakker-Barrink ’22 Elaine Adams ’23 Caroline Haynes ’24 Savannah Neal ’21 Leighton Chapman ’23 Spencer Locascio ’21

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Brandon Young ’22 Jefferson Trammell ’21 Academic All-State Savannah Neal ’21 Claire Tidmore ’21 Jefferson Trammell ’21 Evan Steelman ’22 Brandon Young ’22 Coach Mark Hahn said, “This has been a unique season for our swimmers with only six practices and one meet – the TAPPS State Swim Meet. Even with the lack of meets, this was another exciting season. The women have now placed in the top six in nine of the last twelve years with the men’s team finishing in the top four the past twelve years in a row. Congratulations to our swimmers!”

Winter/Spring Sports Recap continued GOLF Individual Awards/Honors Patrick Elder ’22 – Tenth in District Vivian Darnall ’24 – Sixth in District Patrick Elder & Jett Motley ’22 – won George Ranch High School Team Championship Brandon Young ’22 & Christian Schmidt ’22 – third place at George Ranch High School Team Championship “The highlight that stood out this year was definitely the TAPPS tournament playoff for Patrick Elder ’22 to get into the regional tournament. He was tied for tenth place after 18 holes, and only 10 players advance to regionals. Patrick went into a sudden-death playoff against a player from Woodlands Christian Academy and hit two great shots on the first playoff hole to clinch his spot.” said coach Jenny Murdock.

GOLDEN GIRLS TAPPS Dance Championship Second Place Crowd Pleasers January Premiere Overall Grand Champion Small Select High School Team Best in Class ratings for all of their dances All-State Dancers First Team Caroline Bolling ’21 Lauryn Edwards ’21

According to Coach Madelyn Whitehead, “In the final two weeks approaching TAPPS, this team continued to work hard and did everything in their power to stay safe. We took a moment to pause on our ride and thank God for His faithfulness. We really couldn’t believe that we had made it, every one of us.”

TENNIS Season Record 5 wins, 1 loss

Second Team Emily Bolling ’23

Awards/Honors Women’s – District Champions

Honorable Mention Kate Davidson ’22 Lauren Schweers ’23

Individual Awards/Honors Caroline Chapman ’22 – quarterfinalist in state Stella Baird ’24 – fourth place in district, state qualifier Luella Bakker-Barrink ’22 – fifth place in district Caroline Martinez ’23 – fifth place in district

Leap Company Caroline Bolling ’21 Academic All-State Caroline Bolling ’21 Lauryn Edwards ’21

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Daruish Boujabadi ’22 – state qualifier Coach David Hall said, “The high point of the tennis season was the women’s team winning the district title and having three players qualify for state, including freshman Stella Baird. Dariush Boujabadi ’22 was undefeated in the regular season, and Caroline Chapman ’22 won all but one match during district. It was a great season for both the men and women in tennis.”

BASEBALL Season Record 23 wins, 5 losses Awards/Honors District Champions All-District MVP of the District Bryce Calloway ’21

First Team Ty Baker ’23 Alex Diaz ’21 Grayson Kim ’22 Second Team Leighton Reddy ’22 Luke Pettitte ’23 Christian Pitts ’23 Honorable Mention Andrew Rivers ’22 Tommy Willis ’23 “Watching this team evolve as the season went along was fulfilling as a coach,” said coach Rayner Noble. “Going undefeated in district play was definitely a highlight.”

SOFTBALL Season Record 19 wins, 5 losses, 1 tie Awards/Honors State Champions District Champions

All-District First Team Rachel Riley ’21 Emma Garcia ’22 Leyla Ertan ’21 Emily Rogers ’23 Second Team Ella Ryan ’23 Mackenzie Schmidt ’24 Daniele DiCecco ’23 Honorable Mention Reagan Redick ’23 Julia Sauvageau ’22 Riley Warnica ’24 All-State Tournament Team Rachel Riley ’21 Emma Garcia ’22 Emily Rogers ’23 Mackenzie Schmidt ’24 Academic All-State Rachel Riley ’21 Leyla Ertan ’21 Emma Garcia ’22

All-State First Team Rachel Riley ’21 Emma Garcia ’22 Second Team Leyla Ertan ’21 Honorable Mention Emily Rogers ’23 “The state softball championship meant so much to this team. I’m excited for the athletes – this is their championship; they earned it every step of the way, and it truly could not have happened to a better group of students.

Watching their celebration was incredibly fulfilling,” said coach Brandy Mardis.

TRACK & FIELD Season Record Men – Fourth in District Women – Fourth in District

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Individual Awards/Honors Bryce Ganious ’21 – State Champion in Discus, District and Regional Champion in Discus Haley Killough ’23 – State Champion in High Jump, second in 200 meter in state, third in long jump and 200 meter in state, District and Regional Champion in high jump Cole Satterwhite ’22 – Second in 100 meter in regionals “The highlight of the track and field season was definitely the state meet in Waco, Texas. It was a joy to watch our kids compete and represent themselves and SBS so well,” said coach Brad Lane. “Bryce Ganious ’21 and Haley Killough ’23 were our state champions in discus and high jump, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

Middle School Athletics Spotlight

Middle school athletics focuses on fulfilling the SBS mission to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously. Athletes are asked to think critically about their roles on the team, their part in developing a winning strategy and how they present themselves to the world as Christian athletes. Furthermore, “They are challenged to live biblically in the way they handle victory and defeat as well as the way they live their lives on the field and off the field,” says Mike Walker. Lastly, when our middle school athletes perform under pressure, speak in front of their team or represent SBS in competition, they learn how to lead courageously. #ThinkLiveLead “Student athletes at this age grow and mature at different rates,” explains Director of Athletics Mike Walker. He continues saying, “Our desire is to see the seventh and eighth grade teams compete in a way where winning is an important goal but not the only measure of success.”

Participating in the HJPC gives middle school student athletes a chance to compete against local talent and learn what it means to play for a championship. Since the middle school athletic period is positioned during the school day, junior varsity and varsity coaches are often actively coaching the middle school teams and present at their competitions. Accordingly, middle school student athletes are being prepared for competition on the upper school level and our school values of Christian leadership and sportsmanship are consistently instilled.

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SBS Swim Team Places at State Meet

The SBS varsity swim team continued its winning streak at TAPPS State Swim Meet on February 9, at the Walker/ Davis Natatorium in San Antonio. It was a unique season for the SBS swimmers. The one and only meet that the swimmers attended was the TAPPS state meet. Coach Mark Hahn says, “Even with the limited number of workouts and competitions, this was an exciting season.

I am so proud of the 16 swimmers that competed at the TAPPS state swim meet.”

The 2021 TAPPS State swim meets were divided this year due to protocols for covid with separate women’s and men’s meets. The women finished in 6th place out of 23

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teams, and the men’s team finished in 3rd place out of 21 teams. The men’s team was awarded the TAPPS State 3rd place plaque, and each swimmer on the team received a bronze medal.

This year’s seniors and team captains were Savannah Neal, Claire Tidmore, Jefferson Trammell and Spencer Locascio. Claire Tidmore shared about the swim meet experience, “The state swim meet is always one of my favorite traditions and really bonds the team together. I am extremely proud of how resilient and flexible the team was this year and cannot wait to see how the team does next year.”

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Track Team Takes State

At the end of April, Second Baptist School track athletes competed in the TAPPS State Championship in Midway, Texas, earning many top ten spots. The rainy spring day didn’t hold back our track stars!

Our only female competitor, Haley Killough ’23 earned third in the 200 meter and long jump, second in the 400 meter and first in the high jump! She scored the most individual points of any other female athlete at the state meet. Competing in back to back events in the rain, she showed grit and determination. Haley says, “The state track meet was the highlight of my school year. I am so excited to continue to improve and compete again next year.”

Earning another state championship medal for SBS, senior Bryce Ganious earned first place in the discus.

Coach Brad Lane said, “Bryce had to compete on a

rainy day when spinning in the ring was a dangerous feat. He was a couple of feet short of his personal best on a day when most would have not thrown in the first place.” Bryce adds, “The support at state and the opportunity to represent SBS was an experience I will never forget; it was an extraordinary feeling.”

The SBS track team won additional state medals, with Garrett Hughes ’23 placing third in the triple jump, and Stone Heaton ’21 and Cole Satterwhite also earning top ten positions in discus and the 100 meter.

The three men’s relay teams all finished in the top ten as well; congratulations to these athletes: Cole Satterwhite ’22, Eli Smith ’22, Riley Good ’22, Schuyler Clark ’22, Prince Adeyemi ’21, Jacob Skyles ’21 and Everett Skillern ’22, who earned medals.

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Softball State Champs

Without a doubt, one of the all time highs of the 2020-2021 school year in SBS athletics was the softball team winning the TAPPS state title!

“The state softball championship meant so much to this team. I’m excited for the athletes – this is their championship; they earned it every step of the way, and it truly could not have happened to a better group of student athletes. Watching their celebration was incredibly fulfilling,” said coach Brandy Mardis.

With a double play on defense to end the game, “It was a great play to finish on, and watching their celebration was incredibly fulfilling,” added Mardis.

Athletic Director Mike Walker summarizes the season, saying, “Softball finished second in the district, but then went on to navigate the playoffs and finish off the season at TAPPS DII State Champions!” He goes on to give credit to the excellent coaching staff. “Coach

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Brandy Mardis is very detailed in her preparations and serves as a master motivator. I am so very proud of the work Coach Mardis and her staff did this year building championship habits on a daily basis.”

“I was so happy for our girls, and I wanted them to enjoy and savor that moment,” Mardis said. With a double play on defense to end the game, “It was a great play to finish on, and watching their celebration was incredibly fulfilling,” added Mardis. The energy of a state win is unmistakable, and the softball women enjoyed every minute of their hard-earned victory.

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COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Rachel Riley

SOFTBALL University of Pennsylvania Division I

Alex Diaz

BASEBALL Prairie View A&M Division I

Bryce Ganious FOOTBALL Villanova University Division I

Finn Nicholson

FOOTBALL Colorado School of the Mines Division II

Bryce Calloway

BASEBALL Louisiana Lafayette Division I

THINK. LIVE. LEAD. SUMMER 2021

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During TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK we reached out to our #SBSfamily on social media to answer some questions about our teachers. What followed was an absolute avalanche of love and appreciation for our teachers. Here is a mere handful of the responses we received.

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

We love Mrs. Hall and her “think outside the box” way of teaching She’s simply awesome!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Mrs. Babcock made my baby’s transition to school so special. She is so loving and intentional!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Mr. Hickenbottom because he treats his students like his own children and is very welcoming!

Mrs. Nix is a fabulous fifth grade math teacher and comes up with creative ways to teach it!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

We love Nancy Nichols and will miss her terribly.

She sees students for who they are.

Describe one of your favorite SBS teachers in three words!

Mrs. Schweer – energetic, kind and creative!

Describe one of your favorite SBS teachers in three words!

Mrs. Pettitte – kind hearted, knowledgeable and considerate!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Mrs. Harris because she speaks life to each one of her students. Jesus’ love shines through her!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Ms. Townsend! She is such a light – Jesus shines bright through her!

How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Jeannene Simonton showed us how to apply our knowledge of the Bible to our lives.

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follow us

@secondbaptistschool

@SBS_Houston

Second Baptist School

Describe one of your favorite SBS teachers in three words!

Mrs. Dains is loving, caring and funny!

How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Theatre with Mrs. Westmoreland and Mrs. Blades helped me find my voice!

We love Jenna Jones and Iris Stewart. They make kids feel loved, understood and heard.

How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Mr. Brooks and Mr. Saavedra are the reason I’m graduating with an engineering degree!

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Mrs. Dossey! She taught me so much and I could always go to her with anything!

How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Describe one of your favorite SBS teachers in three words!

Mrs. Ramey has always invested in my life, has been a mentor and number one supporter!

Mrs. Atwood – energetic, funny and kind!

How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Jeff Schroeder modeled humility that my teammates and I will never forget.

How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Tell us about an SBS teacher you love and why!

Mrs. Corbin is teaching my son the basics of faith and the characteristics of God!

The second grade team (especially Mrs. K) is amazing! Nurturing, kind and incredible teachers!

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How has an SBS teacher impacted your life?

Dianna Bolling has taught my daughter to love God’s word!

She is doing kingdom work!

THINK LIVE LEAD critically

biblically

courageously

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THE PORTRAIT OF A SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL GRADUATE brings clarity to our mission and provides strategic direction for what we seek to accomplish in the hearts, minds and lives of our students. The result of in-depth research, discussion and collaboration including more than 350 faculty, staff, students, SBC pastors, parents, alumni and alumni parents, the Portrait of a Second Baptist School Graduate truly reflects the combined vision of the school community.

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Our Portrait of a Second Baptist School Graduate is a statement of outcomes.

We will use the Portrait of a Second Baptist School Graduate as a tool.

These are the qualities we are collectively committed to helping our students develop in and out of the classroom.

While recognizing we are flawed human beings, we desire to work diligently and collaboratively to produce graduates who think critically, live biblically and lead courageously to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Our portrait of a graduate will guide us as we conscientiously evaluate our programs, our curriculum and our approach to the classroom. The value of a Second Baptist School education is the gradual, cumulative process of helping students learn and grow every day, steadily building a strong foundation in Jesus Christ to impact the global community. With a clear vision for every SBS graduate, we will pursue this vision with the passion and purpose each student deserves to be fully equipped to change the world!

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Think Critically • • •

Graduates value intellectual curiosity.

Graduates synthesize information and make connections.

Graduates solve problems.

Live Biblically • • •

Graduates pursue a personal relationship with Christ.

Graduates commit themselves to developing a biblical worldview.

Graduates live for the honor and glory of God.

Lead Courageously • • •

Graduates demonstrate discernment.

Graduates serve with compassion.

Graduates inspire others.

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Though this year’s Interim Term looked different from years past, SBS teachers and students rose to the challenge and set out to learn, explore and expand their minds to make the one-week Interim Term one to remember.

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Interim Term

“Over Interim Term I worked on furthering my pilot’s license. I spent the one-week period developing my flying skills and logging hours throughout a series of flights. I have always been interested in aviation and had a love of traveling. Flying has developed into a hobby of mine that I could see myself further pursuing in the future!”

– Tanner Chapman ’22

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interim term

intro to logic

houston food bank

personal finance

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Houston Methodist Grace Pollock ’22

“Over Interim Term, I interned at Houston Methodist hospital with classmate Raquel Bagwell ’22. During the week we shadowed a doctor as she worked with patients and completed tasks. We were able to sit in on appointments with patients and grasp a better

understanding of the way they run a hospital.

Completing this internship provided me a glimpse into the life of working professionally in the medical field. I am so grateful for this experience and I learned a lot!”

Children’s Orthopedic Therapy Emma Wentz ’22

“I interned with Autumn Malone ’22 at a children’s orthopedic therapy center under SBS mom Monique Manning. We observed her working with kids and helped her by organizing her office. I have always wanted to be a physical

therapist, so, alongside orthopedic therapy, Mrs. Manning allowed us to observe the job of a physical therapist. This further fueled my interest in physical therapy and helped solidify my plans to study such a field in college.”

How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge Caroline Lane ’24

“In my How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge class, we evaluated our own personalities and how we could best lead in our communities by working with our natural aptitudes. I loved taking the personality test and using it to find good job options, how I work well with others, and what I need to work on. In my Civil Discourse class, we learned how to have good civil discourse, and we learned about things that

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we should do in our everyday conversations. I loved using what we learned in the class to have real conversations about controversial topics in our world today. In my Twin Studies class, we looked at cases of twins that were separated at birth, and cases of twins that were switched at birth. It was very interesting to learn about twins, and how and why they occur naturally.”

y a B o l a ff u B “I enjoyed seeing students’ attitudes transform; they fussed at the beginning of the expedition, and by the end, they were marveling at nature!”

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p U an e l C you Mrs. Laura Towne and Mr. Brad Lane The main goal of this class was to collect litter from the waterways of the Buffalo Bayou so it would not make its way to the Gulf of Mexico. This class was led by Laura Towne and Brad Lane. According to Mrs. Towne, “Some students were surprised about how muddy, dirty and wet the Bayou was, and the strength needed to paddle through it!” Mrs. Towne especially enjoyed the journey the clean-up took her students on. “I enjoyed seeing students’ attitudes transform; they fussed at the beginning of the expedition, and by the end, they were marveling at nature!”

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interim term SBS Softball Team Leyla Ertan ’22

“Interim Term was an important week for the SBS softball team as we used it to prepare for our upcoming state-run through extra practices, preparation, and most importantly, team bonding.

Our team had the same goal, and we spent

this week and the rest of the season singularly focused on it. Working together we were able to accomplish this goal and our community saw it come to fruition in our win at state.”

Faith Under the Microscope Mrs. Heather Aleman and Mr. Nathan Nease

Heather Aleman and Nathan Nease facilitated the class Faith Under the Microscope. During the class, they explored how faith and science coincide. Specifically, they focused on physical and biological science to unpack how science reveals the existence of God. At the end of the week, the students produced an original radio commentary using an area of science to prove the existence of God. According to Mrs. Aleman, “It was exhilarating watching students take ownership of their beliefs and use science as evidence.”

Mr. Nease explained the radio project further saying, “The final project had each student broadcast their

own commentary on the week’s topic over an FM radio station. The students not broadcasting were down the hall in a different classroom listening over a radio tuned into the right frequency. Parents were invited to come park in the parking lot and tune in to SBS Radio live on 89.9 FM. Each student was prepared and broadcast their commentary like a pro.” When asked how students enjoyed the class, Mr. Nease excitedly replied, “The students often responded to the material even more thoughtfully than I initially anticipated. They shared their opinions, stated points to help advance their point and talked to each other with respect.”

Russian Language and Culture Kendalyn Firenza ’23

“During Interim Term, I had the opportunity to take three classes, Fake News: Research in the Age of Misinformation, Russian Language and Culture, and Elementary Dear Watson: Intro

to Logic. These classes allowed me to expand my knowledge and learn things that I typically wouldn’t be able to during normal school classes.

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lifeguarding

discerning god’s will for your life

twin studies

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“Students were asked to identify a need, create a product or service to meet that need and pitch their idea to a panel of sharks.”

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Mrs. Geanna Manners and Mr. Aaron Randolph The ever-popular television show, Shark Tank, made its way to SBS for Interim Term this year. The class, hosted by Geanna Manners and Aaron Randolph, sought to teach students about business, entrepreneurship, hard work and creativity.

According to Mrs. Manners, “Students were asked to identify a need, create a product or service to meet that need and pitch their idea to a panel of sharks.” She went on to say, “We really wanted the students to think creatively and be innovative, all

while having a greater purpose in mind for their idea.” The students especially thrived as they created a product to launch.

Every group went through several prototypes to arrive at their final product to present. According to Mrs. Manners, “My favorite part was observing the product development process and defending their pitches and ideas to the sharks!” Some of these products included a self-watering planter, a Hot Wheels style boat racing track and a bladeless citrus peeler.

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interim term

restaurant wars

restaurant wars

non - profit

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brookwood service project

brookwood service project

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Joanie Darnall ’22 “For Interim Term, my classmate Taylor Nunes and I went on an independent college tour with our moms. It was a long road trip, with many hours of driving crammed in a car, but it was so fun and gave me a new perspective on exactly what I am looking for on a college campus. Over the course of a week, we visited South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Auburn and Alabama. At each college we had family friends tour us

around to give us a glimpse into their life at the college. With the help of the rating sheet given to us by the SBS College Guidance Department and our experiences from walking around five college campuses, I determined Georgia was by far my favorite! This unique experience opened my eyes to colleges out of state and gave me the time to immerse myself into these campuses.”

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PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE ZAC DECKER BAILEY IRELAND LAURYN EDWARDS ALEX DIAZ CLAIRE TIDMORE VICTORIA SMITH STONE HEATON MAKAYLA WILLIAMS MADI ROOK JACK MCCULLOUGH CAROLINE BOLLING MIRANDA MORRIS JACOB RIVERS EAGLE

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BAILEY IRELAND

How has the SBS mission of equipping students to live biblically impacted you? It has caused me to truly think about the things that I do and say around others, and it has taught me that integrity is an important quality to have. SBS has taught me how to be an unapologetic Christian.

What do you think it means to be an SBS alum? I think it means being a part of a huge community of believers.

What is the best advice you can give underclassmen at SBS? Don’t be afraid to make friends outside of your immediate friend group or grade. Reach out to upperclassmen and underclassmen.

ALEX DIAZ

STONE HEATON

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What is your favorite SBS memory? My favorite SBS memory is Interim Term. I love that this has been a part of my upper school experience. Through Interim Term, I made so many amazing memories with friends and had great experiences.

How have you learned to be a courageous leader at SBS? SBS has taught me leadership not only through specific leadership roles but also just through everyday activities and interactions with people.

Being captain of the varsity volleyball team my senior year definitely helped me find my voice as a leader and really show others what it’s like to lead.

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What is your favorite SBS tradition? Why? My favorite Second Baptist School tradition is Spring Swing because the whole SBS community comes out to support the softball and baseball teams. My favorite SBS memory was when we had a walk-off win this past year at Spring Swing to remain undefeated in district.

Which teacher or staff member has impacted you the most? How or Why? The staff member who has impacted me the most during my time at Second Baptist School is Coach Mascioli. He taught me a whole different aspect and perspective of lifting and working out. The new technology he brought to the weight room that we use to work out with plus his deep knowledge of strength and conditioning have really helped develop me as an athlete.

What do you think it means to be an SBS alum? I think it is an honor to be an SBS alum because there have been so many successful and important people who have come out of SBS and to have that connection with a select group

How has the SBS mission of equipping students to live biblically impacted you? It has left an indelible mark on me and taught me how to love myself and understand how my mind works. SBS taught me to read the Word and pray daily and how to respect and love anyone I meet.

What is one thing you will take from your time at SBS and carry on with you to college? I learned how to adapt to professional experiences and how to be responsible. SBS teaches every student to learn how to go into the world with responsibility and skills we will always need.

How has the SBS mission of equipping students to live biblically impacted you? Being surrounded by people who are unashamed to proclaim their love for Christ has greatly impacted and improved my life.

What is your favorite SBS tradition?

Why? My favorite SBS tradition is the fountain run. We have watched the senior class run laps through the building and jump into the water for as long as I can remember, and I couldn’t believe it when it was finally our turn. .

What do you think it means to be an SBS alum? I think it means that we are a family even when we are apart. SBS will always support and keep up with us because of the connections and love of the community.

LAURYN EDWARDS

ZAC DECKER

MADI ROOK

of people like that is truly special. As an SBS alum, I know I can always come back to my alma mater and see familiar faces and feel welcomed.

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What is your favorite place on the SBS campus? Why? My favorite place on campus is the field. I loved morning practices with Golden Girls and getting to watch the sunrise together as we prepared for our halftime routines. I also loved getting to dance and cheer for the Eagles on Friday nights.

What is the best advice you can give underclassmen at SBS? Try to get involved as much as you can! You will meet so many new people, and it’s a great way to make friends while also having fun!

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MIRANDA MORRIS

CAROLINE BOLLING

What is one thing that you will take from your time at SBS and carry on with you to college? I will take away my experience of being a leader. At SBS, I was provided with various opportunities, expanding my horizon of experience in leadership that will help me in every avenue of life.

What is your favorite SBS memory? My favorite SBS memory, although there are so many to choose from, has to be performing on stage. Whether in Golden Girls, choir or theatre, being on stage with all my friends was one of the greatest experiences.

Which teacher or staff member has impacted you the most? How or Why? The staff member who has truly made an impact on my life is Coach Whitehead. As my Golden Girls coach and mentor, she has taught me how to be a woman of God in dance and in life. When I need advice, encouragement or just to talk, Coach Whitehead is always the one I go to. I cannot imagine my high school years without her.

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How has the SBS community impacted you? SBS impacted me by providing excellent opportunities for internships and service projects.

Through service, I was able to make a positive impact on others.

Through an internship in lower school, I confirmed my love for teaching children and found my passion.

How has SBS taught you to think critically? It has taught me to have a sense of curiosity and push to solve my problems.

What do you think it means to be an SBS alum? I think being an SBS alum means not only representing your alma mater but also being a bridge between the future and the past. I believe it means being a mentor to future alumni and showing them how to continue to live the principles SBS taught us. I plan to teach kindergarten at SBS and send my children to this fantastic school!

VICTORIA SMITH

CLAIRE TIDMORE

What about SBS will you miss the most once you graduate? I will miss the community. SBS has been like a second family to me.

This school is small and extremely tight-knit. I will attend Texas A&M University, which is a huge school. I will miss how close everyone is here and how my classmates will do anything to help each other.

What is your favorite SBS tradition? Why? My favorite SBS tradition is EagleFest. This tradition unifies the whole school and allows students to let loose and just have fun.

What is your favorite place on the SBS campus? Why? My favorite place on the SBS campus is Room 5108. This room is where the theatre department rehearses, and I have spent countless hours and nights there. I made some of my best friends in this room through theatre.

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What is your favorite SBS tradition? Why? My favorite SBS tradition is Homecoming and all the events that come with it. The spirit of SBS is so strong on that day, and you can feel the excitement in the air as everyone bleeds blue and gold.

How has the SBS mission of equipping students to live biblically impacted you? Equipping students to live biblically is one of the key components of the Second Baptist School mission. SBS has taught me that if you stand for nothing, you fall for everything. Having one’s faith grounded in the Word of God is the most important thing a person can do. SBS has taught me to be passionate about Christ in sharing the gospel.

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JACK MCCULLOUGH JACOB RIVERS MAKAYLA WILLIAMS

How has the SBS community impacted you? It has helped me to become the best version of myself by bringing out all of my good qualities and amplifying them.

How have you learned to be a courageous leader at SBS? I have learned to be a good leader from people in my grade, like Connor Claypool and Caroline Bolling, because they encourage with patience and kindness while putting others above themselves.

How has SBS taught you to think critically? SBS has taught me to think critically by challenging me in all aspects of life inside and outside of the classroom.

How has SBS taught you to think critically? SBS has encouraged me to see through and past the obvious answer.

How have you learned to be a courageous leader at SBS? I have learned that a lot of people are looking for someone to follow and just waiting for the right person.

What is one thing you will take from your time at SBS and carry on with you to college? I will take my love for God into college.

Which teacher or staff member has impacted you the most? How or Why? A teacher who has impacted me the most is Mrs. Towne. Her freshman English class inspired me to dive deeper into writing, and her encouragement and guidance laid the foundation for my love of writing. This year I wrote my first book, and Mrs. Towne was a big inspiration for that.

What is the best advice you can give underclassmen at SBS? The best advice I can give underclassmen is to never be afraid to speak up for the things they are passionate about. Don’t wait for an opportunity to knock. Seize every moment and every day with a willingness to serve and lead with or without a title. A label doesn’t make a leader.

How has the SBS community impacted you? Through these four years of high school, I have always had at least one coach, teacher or administrator I could talk to. I think one of the loneliest places for a teenager can be high school, but when you have adults who actively care for you and genuinely want to see you succeed, it’s not so lonely anymore.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2021

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LETTER FROM A SENIOR

Dear Second Baptist School, Thank you.

The memories fostered on this campus will forever be etched in our hearts. The lessons learned in the classrooms and in chapel will forever elevate our mental and spiritual intellects. The blood and tears shed on the field, in the gyms and on the stage will alter the landscape of our passions.

The Class of 2021, over the past decade and a half, has been tethered to a demand for success. Time and time again, we refused to succumb to the cascading chaos of early morning workouts that turn to eight hours of school followed by sports practice and theatre rehearsal and — most importantly — homework. Most in our senior class repeatedly recount stories detailing the daily avalanche that is the Second Baptist School day. As a whole, we could teach a masterclass on time management; from our daring experimentations, we have discovered varying approaches to juggling the endless possibilities SBS provided us. ‘Do everything. Be busy.’ These are our

words of wisdom that ring abundantly throughout the halls — words which we desperately hope never fall on deaf ears. Although at times, we griped about slaving over schoolwork and slaughtered sleep schedules, our appreciation and dedication have proven to prevail.

We have repeatedly seen our classmates continue to push their limits — watched as they pursued unique opportunities, encouraged as they hurdled obstacles, supported as they made tough decisions, celebrated as they found places to thrive and embraced each other wholeheartedly. In retrospect, the long days, the late nights, the worry, the mistakes and the failures will never truly matter. It’s the lessons we learned, the memories we made and the relationships we established that will reign in our hearts forever.

When you step onto campus, you see Second Baptist School not only welcomes people with the warm smiles of Admissions and the firm handshakes from faculty and staff but also commits to forging strong, lasting relationships within the members of their community. One of the most

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YOU ASPIRE TO SEE US EXCEED THE PRECONCEIVED RESTRICTIONS WE HAVE PLACED ON OUR POTENTIALS, CHEERING US ON FROM THE SIDELINES. cherished blessings, nurtured by SBS, is the connection between the under- and upperclassmen. SBS prides itself on having the Caroline Lanes of the world meeting amazing mentors like the Caroline Bollings — a friendship made possible through the Golden Girls dance team. It’s impossible not to notice the range of relationships when glancing into the theatre kingdom. Theatre students cannot forget the jokes crafted within the walls of 5108 between alumnus Elijah Adickes ’19 and his senior accomplice Jackson Bishop ’21, who, at the time, was merely a wide-eyed freshman. On the other hand and the other side of campus, you can watch as senior basketball captain Kevin Blume ’21 pours into underclassmen like RJ Manginello ’23 and Garret Hughes ’23. Throughout the years and the SBS organizations, we have fostered friendships and made memories that will last us a lifetime.

Through experiences such as these, SBS has meticulously molded and equipped us to conquer our forthcoming endeavors with courage and with tenacity. Our futures pulse with promise because of the school’s commitment to excellence and covenant to teaching the gospel.

As we take this next step — which more adequately resembles skydiving sans parachute than stepping — into our futures, we strive to stride forward in a fashion that reflects the godly principles Second Baptist School instilled in us, beaming in the joy of using our every moment for His Kingdom.

To the incomparable Second Baptist Family: Thank you. For seeing our potential. For establishing an environment of unfathomable support. For accepting us as we are. Your unwavering confidence in, support of, and dedication to us does not go unnoticed. We are grateful for who you are and for who you have shaped us to be.

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You redefine our idea of resilience, teaching us that our failures are not shackles meant to hold us captive but lessons meant to make us stronger.

You require us to discover, manifesting a deep craving for understanding within each of us.

You epitomize the hands and feet of Christ, sacrificing yourselves for us, daily.

You teach us time and time again to take a step back, reminding us that no test grade or GPA point will ever compare to the quality of our character.

You inspire us to be the best version of ourselves, acknowledging our humanity and celebrating our successes simultaneously.

You aspire to see us exceed the preconceived restrictions we have placed on our potentials, cheering us on from the sidelines.

You emphasize the cruciality of an eternal knowledge of our Heavenly Father, dwelling in the promises He has set before us.

As a community, you have stood faithfully beside us, instilling unity and belonging into our lives every step of the way. There is immense beauty and considerable joy in having SBS as both a forever family and a place to call home. There aren’t enough words to capture the life-changing impact you have made on our lives or to describe our outpouring gratitude for every second you have dedicated to us. This has been an unparalleled foundation to the beginning of our forever.

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As we take this next step — which more adequately resembles skydiving sans parachute than stepping — into our futures, we strive to stride forward in a fashion that reflects the godly principles Second Baptist School instilled in us, beaming in the joy of using our every moment for His Kingdom.

THANK YOU FOR BEING SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL.

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A SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AND EAGLE

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Moving the Tassel

by Communications Fellow CAMERON KELLEY ’22

Watching our honors physics partners, team captains, classmates and friends receive their diplomas, I was filled with a sense of excitement and sadness. Sadness for the formal recognition of those I spent the last three years of school with will soon be leaving for college. Also, excitement that I am entering my senior year!

Class of 2021, though many of you have significantly changed since you first made the six-flight trek up the E Building stairwell freshman year, you leave this school with the same hopeful, slightly nervous and determined faces. This time, however, you have something you didn’t before: the knowledge that you are capable of more than you think, the lessons of life that you have learned along the way, and the certainty that the people who have supported you through the last four years will continue to cheer you on through college.

Congratulations, Class of 2021! Together you have survived high school, but it doesn’t just end there. The SBS community and your classmates will be here to support you for the rest of your lives. Don’t forget to come back and say hi, you will be greatly missed!

Fast forward a year from now and I will be participating in the ceremony I spent last Friday night watching. My classmates and I will stand next to each other, just as the seniors did, and throw our caps into the air, our hopes and dreams for college and the future soaring with them as the book that is our high school career officially closes. However, before then, we enter our senior year, slowly becoming more aware of the leadership role we have the opportunity to play. We have the challenge of living in the moment, being aware of our gratitude, all the while filling out college applications as we anxiously await the decisions that determine our future. SBS has prepared us well, and whether we feel ready or not, we enter our last lap full speed ahead!

By the time we have completed high school, we will have spent 5,040 plus hours together over the course of four years, and that is just the time in school, not including after-school practices, musicals and get-togethers with friends. In these hours we have created some of our best memories, built the foundation of our character, and grown lasting relationships with our best friends. Now I charge my classmates to cherish our time together. This will be the last year that we are all in the same place, sitting in the same classes, and cheering on the same football team. Though I know I will miss these experiences immensely, I am already eternally grateful for our SBS community and the experiences and relationships it has brought me.

SADNESS

One last year for Friday night football games, homecoming pep rallies and the SBS fight song. One last year of rigorous SBS classes, refreshing Second Cup visits during open bin and beautiful chapel services during CT. One last year with the classmates and teammates who have grown into family and the teachers who have shaped us into the people we are today. With this last year it is our hope that we cherish every moment, develop meaningful memories and leave a positive impact on our SBS community.

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Second Baptist School Class of 2021

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Class of 2021 Elise Madelynne Adams* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Carroll Linna Burroughs* Magna Cum Laude University of Texas

Prince Olorunfemi Adeyemi* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Catherine Ann Carter Callaway Cum Laude Belmont University

Thomas Ingraham Aycock* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Bryce De’Shun Calloway* Magna Cum Laude University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Isaac Paul Baker* Summa Cum Laude Baylor University

Aidan John Corydon Carr University of Mississippi

Allison Elizabeth Drinnon* Summa Cum Laude Texas State University

Sophia Marie Cela* Magna Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Lauryn Grace Edwards* Magna Cum Laude Baylor University

Eun-Gwang Chang* Summa Cum Laude University of Southern California

Leyla Michele Ertan* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Connor Wallace Claypool* Summa Cum Laude University of Texas

Grace Ann Evans* Summa Cum Laude University of Oklahoma

Daniel Ellis Conklin University of Mississippi

Teá Renee Flores Summa Cum Laude Undecided

Davis Griffith Bandy* Magna Cum Laude Auburn University Jaxson Robie Baumunk* Magna Cum Laude Texas A&M University Morgan Michelle Bingham Summa Cum Laude Texas State University Audrey Mae Bishop* Summa Cum Laude Rhodes College Jackson Pierce Bishop* Summa Cum Laude University of Alabama Emma Caroline Bloodworth Texas A&M University Kevin Joseph Blume* Summa Cum Laude University of Texas Caroline Grace Bolling* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University Ethan Calvin Brown* Cum Laude Baylor University Willow Grace Bullington* Magna Cum Laude Boston University

Hannah Margaret Corbin* Cum Laude Texas State University

MayaLee Dobson Louisiana State University Pierce Dennis Donalson Summa Cum Laude Baylor University Rhys Teagan Doyle* Cum Laude Undecided

Bryce Allen Ganious Villanova University

Noah Andrew Cousin* Magna Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Francesca Carolina Garvin* Summa Cum Laude Baylor University

Elijah Graham Craig* Cum Laude University of Arkansas

Mikala May Glascock* Cum Laude Loyola Marymount University

Zachary Scott Decker* Magna Cum Laude Oklahoma City University

Anastacia Cherí Grant Louisiana State University

Alex Keniel Diaz Prairie View A&M University

Kenzo John Grant* Cum Laude University of Auckland

Michael David DiCecco* Summa Cum Laude University of Texas

Karolina Lizbeth Guajardo Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Eliza Marie Dixon* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Emma Grace Gunn* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

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Avery Elise Harder* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Catherine Elizabeth Milner* Magna Cum Laude Texas Christian University

William Zachary Rook* Magna Cum Laude University of South Carolina

Emily Elizabeth Hardin* Summa Cum Laude Texas Christian University

Miranda Grace Morris* Magna Cum Laude Baylor University

Marcos Gabriel Sinclair University of Houston

Stone Graham Heaton* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Valeska Moya Leguz* Cum Laude Dallas Baptist University

Ashley Morgan Holt* Summa Cum Laude University of Texas

Savannah Grace Neal* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Nicole Kaitlyn Huynh Baylor University

Finn Patrick Nicholson* Summa Cum Laude Colorado School of Mines

Thi-Thien Nguyen Huynh* Summa Cum Laude Houston Baptist University Bailey Clair Ireland* Summa Cum Laude Baylor University Luke Walker Johnson* Summa Cum Laude Purdue University Jalen Devonte’ Leonard University of Texas at San Antonio Spencer Andrew Locascio Texas A&M University Ashley Grace Maurer* Summa Cum Laude University of Texas Sydney Marie McCrory* Cum Laude Texas Christian University Jack Owen McCullough* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University Jonah David McFarland Magna Cum Laude Baylor University Judd Palmer Miller* Cum Laude Houston Baptist University

Autumn Alexae Phillips* Magna Cum Laude Samford University Kara Lynn Powell* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University Jaden Michael Prothro* Summa Cum Laude Colorado School of Mines

Jacob Nathaniel Skyles* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University Victoria Kathryn Smith* Summa Cum Laude Oklahoma State University Harrison Dailey Stallings* Summa Cum Laude Texas Christian University Claire Elizabeth Tidmore* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University Jefferson Grey Trammell* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University Kennedy Elise Walk* Cum Laude University of Texas

Luke Pemberton Reed Texas A&M University

Kylie Shea Weidner Summa Cum Laude New York University

Harrison Scott Richter Cum Laude Babson College

Makayla Charisse Williams* Magna Cum Laude Baylor University

Rachel Elizabeth Riley* Summa Cum Laude University of Pennsylvania

Grant Maxwell Wilson* Summa Cum Laude Undecided

Jenna Mackenzie Risher* Cum Laude Baylor University

Jonathan Maxwell Worley* Summa Cum Laude Texas A&M University

Jacob Matthew Rivers* Cum Laude Baylor University

Jason Yihui Wu Arizona State University

Madilyn Grace Rook* Summa Cum Laude Clemson University

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* National Honor Society Member

2021 COMMENCEMENT EAGLE

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Class of 2021

LIFERS

Graham Aycock Isaac Baker Audrey Bishop Jackson Bishop Caroline Bolling Connor Claypool

Ellis Conklin Hannah Corbin Noah Cousin Elijah Craig Michael DiCecco Allison Drinnon

Grace Evans Teá Flores Emma Gunn Stone Heaton Ashley Holt Thi-Thien Huynh

Luke Johnson Kara Powell Jaden Prothro Harrison Richter Jenna Risher Max Worley

Lifers are students who have attended Second Baptist School from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.

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ALUMNI R EM EM BER TO FOLLOW U S ON FACEBOOK A ND INSTAGRA M @S BS A LU M NI TO STAY CONNECTED A ND LEA RN A BO U T U PCOM ING EV ENTS A ND ON- CA M PU S HA PPENINGS !

M OV ED? M A RRIED? NEW EM A IL A DDRES S ?

EM A IL S BS A LU M NI@S ECONDBA PTISTS CHOOL.O RG TO S END A NY CHA NGES. WE WA NT TO STAY IN TOU C H !

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Alumni Notes 1983 Five years ago, MARK STOUSE founded Proof Analytics, the first automated data and analytics software platform built explicitly for business teams, not just analysts. Today, Proof is the #1 analytics partner for Salesforce, who recently called Proof the “missing link for closed-loop marketing ROI.” Companies that rely on Proof include United Healthcare, Samsung, Salesforce, Deloitte, Slalom, Amazon Web Services and Johnson Controls. In 2020, Stouse was voted one of the world’s ten most influential data science leaders, and he and his family have called Arizona home for the past decade.

1991 ASHAE PALMER KUBICEK lives in Pearland, Texas, where she is the Owner of AK Consulting Appraisal Firm and full-time mom to two high school daughters. Ashae stays heavily involved in her church activities, local politics and volunteers for many community projects, including serving as a Girl Scout troop leader.

1993 WHITNEY COBB ZISMAN serves on the Advanced Leadership Team (Early Literacy Leadership Academy) at Rice University’s SLC program whose mission it is to study and research best practices in early childhood education and help schools in the greater Houston area implement these practices. Upon recently concluding her third year as the Head of Primary School & Early Childhood at Holy Spirit Episcopal School in Houston, she and her husband, Stan Zisman, are headed on a new adventure to Doha, Qatar, where Stan will serve as the new Chief Health Safety and Environmental Officer at QChem. Whitney states, “Other than college, I’ve never lived outside of Houston. New adventures await!”

1997 SHANNON JOHNSON CRANSON currently serves as development director for NextOp, Inc., a Houston-based non-profit that helps service members and veterans transition into civilian careers. In this role, she is responsible for all fundraising efforts, as well as the organization’s marketing.

Shannon is married to Trey and has a seven-year-old son, Richard Keith, and two stepdaughters, Alex and Alyssa. In her spare time, she is an active volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Daughters of the American Revolution and is currently training for her first Ironman.

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2004 Megan and MICHAEL RAMEY welcomed their son, Jackson Thomas, on February 25, 2021. Michael and Megan are approaching their third wedding anniversary and live in Spring, where Michael is an operations consultant and Megan is an accountant.

2006 Angelina and BROOKS SHANKLIN welcomed son, Duncan Brooks, on December 11, 2020! He joins amazing big sisters, Colette (4) and Eloise (2).

2008 COLIN AULDS moved to Puerto Rico to sell the business he started with brother BRYAN AULDS ’03. The business was initially named “Billfodl” (not a typo), after the flagship Bitcoin wallet backup product.

They have since rebranded to PrivacyPros.io to widen the focus to more cyber-security and privacy focused products. After they sell PrivacyPros, they will focus on their new business, Quarry Brothers (quarrybros.com), where they sell real slate-stone Macbook skins. Additionally, the Aulds passed the 100 episode milestone of their Bitcoin Tech podcast, The Unhashed Podcast (unhashedpodcast.com) back in September 2020.

CHRISTIANA BLADES MOUSER and husband, David, welcomed their second son, Benjamin Clifton, on November 6, 2020. Jonathan Robert simply adores his little brother!

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Alumni Notes 2008 It’s been a busy yet wonderful few years for LEXY BENNETT SKAGGS, who married Luke Skaggs on September 27, 2019, purchased a Kingwood home in 2020 and welcomed baby girl, River Gray, into the world on August 22, 2020. Big sister, Zola, is over the moon! Lexy works as an outside sales representative for their family’s company, Noble Tile Supply.

2009 CALLIE FINE BURKE and husband, James, welcomed daughter, Bella Caroline, on February 24, 2021.

CARLY CALHOUN HUTTER and her husband, Joel, live in Austin and welcomed their first son, Hank Andrew, in February 2021.

2010 MIKHAIL MCLEAN and wife, Arrion, welcomed their second son, Amri Jude, on December 28, 2020. Congratulations to Mikhail who recently started as the assistant basketball coach at Lamar University in Beaumont.

LEAH WAKEFIELD MCNULTY obtained her LCSW (License of Clinical Social Work) in 2020 and recently opened a private therapy practice.

Leah specializes in seeing teenage girls and women and finds incredible blessing in being able to incorporate faith into evidenced based treatments to assist people in coping with their challenges.

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2010 JEFF PRICE founded Pronto Pay, a company that aims to eliminate predatory and usurious lenders from the market by providing access to on-demand pay. In Jeff’s own words, “Payroll itself has not changed in nearly two centuries. The fundamental disconnect is that we have a payroll cycle on a batch basis, but we have an expense cycle on a real-time basis. Pronto Pay is using technology to bridge that gap by providing employees with real-time access to the wages that they earn, as they earn them.”

Eagle Sweethearts, NATALIE JOHNSON SMITH and COOPER SMITH ’09, welcomed daughter, Lyla James, on September 3, 2020.

According to Natalie upon Lyla’s arrival, “She was 7 lb. 4 oz. of pure perfection!” The Smiths live in Austin, where Natalie works as a labor and delivery nurse and Cooper works as a client executive at VMware.

SHANNON DODDS WATLER and her husband, Reid, welcomed their precious daughter, Chandler Blair, on December 16, 2020. According to Shannon, “She has been the bright spot of our year, and we have loved her sweet and gentle spirit.” Dog, Rosie, is pretty smitten, as well.

2011 Eagle Sweethearts, TAYLOR ODUM and ALEX COOPER, welcomed baby girl, Lola Victoria, in February!

2013 Congratulations to DAVIS DICK and his new bride, Samantha! They married on January 2, 2021, at the Ladybird Johnson Wildlife Center in Austin, Texas, where fellow alumnus, BRIAN HOWELL ’13 and Davis’ twin brother, Taylor, served as groomsmen.

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Alumni Notes 2013

TAYLOR DICK married Haley Barton on August 15, 2020, at Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston. Twin brother, Davis, along with BEN TOUR ’13 and JAMES RICHTER ’13, served as Taylor’s groomsmen.

JOLIE PARRISH GARCIA and husband, Daniel, welcomed daughter, Ruth Danielle, on March 3, 2021.

BRITTAINY GUTIERREZ and Ben Stephens tied the knot on October 17, 2020. KATIE BRENNAN ’13 and COLETTE COPE ’13 served as comaid of honors, and MARY PAIGE STEVENSON HARRIS ’13 served as a bridesmaid.

Married Eagle Sweethearts, JERICHA SMITH and former student MATTHEW RANKIN, welcomed baby girl, Phoenix Marie, on November 9, 2020.

LAUREN WHITAKER SANDERLIN and husband, Tim, welcomed their little bundle, Livingston (Livi) Joy, on April 6, 2021, and she has stolen their hearts! The Sanderlin family resides in Birmingham, Alabama, where Lauren works in marketing for a non-profit retirement community, and Tim serves as the student minister at Mountain Brook Baptist Church.

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2014 MATTIE LILLIAN DAVIS is currently working towards her masters in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling with the long-term goal of teaching drama and dance therapy. During the day, Mattie works as a college advisor at Eastern Hills High School and at night, can either be found in rehearsal, choreographing for a high school or theatre or teaching dance classes. Concurrently, Mattie has been working on an original album called “True North,” released on Spotify in May 2021.

2015 ANDREW REPPERT married his Baylor sweetheart, Megan Giotes, on March 27, 2021, at Northwood Club in Dallas, Texas. JORDAN HALL ’15 served Andrew as his best man; CALEB RALSTON ’15 and CHASE WERTHEIMER ’15 served as groomsmen. Andrew’s sisters, KENDALL REPPERT ’18 and COURTNEY REPPERT ’22 were bridesmaids.

Megan and Andrew reside in Dallas, where Andrew works as an Investment Analyst for TriGate Capital.

Congratulations to ROBYN WHITAKER for receiving her White Coat on October 30, 2020, at Texas Woman’s University in the Houston Medical Center. Robyn is in her second year of physical therapy school and plans to graduate in May 2022. Receiving the white coat is a right of passage for doctorate students. Robyn states, “It was such an honor to receive my white coat and serves as a reminder of my accomplishments, my future goals, and ultimately why I am working so hard to become a physical therapist: to recognize and support the needs of others so they can achieve their highest potential.”

2017 JASON DANIELS works as the college ministry fellow at First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa where he has been a member since starting college at the University of Alabama. He will serve in this role for the next academic year before attending law school in the fall of 2022.

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Alumni Notes 2017 MACKENZIE BEARD married Troy Fullerton on October 9, 2020, in Alaska. Soon after they tied the knot, Mackenzie graduated with a BS in Administration of Justice and received a minor in communications in December 2020. To sum up the last year, the Fullertons adopted an Alaskan Malamute, Mackenzie transferred to asset protection in the store where she works, has had numerous moose encounters, got stitches for the first time by climbing an abandoned fighter jet and hiked quite a few Alaskan trails.

With only one year left at Pepperdine University, COURTNEY JAMES accepted an undergraduate research fellowship award that has her conducting research in Malibu, California. During this 12-week program, Courtney administers five different diets to 80 mice and assesses their behavior through various validated field tests. Mice, Mice, Baby!

Upon graduating from the University of Oklahoma in May, SAWYER MARCUM began working for Student Mobilization (STUMO, for short), a college ministry that exists to build spiritual leaders for Christ from the college campuses of the world. “The Lord used the ministry of STUMO tremendously in my walk with Jesus throughout college, and now I have the opportunity to influence the next generation of students at OU for Christ.” Sawyer adds, “Please pray for me, as well as the rest of the staff team, and for the students who we will be engaging with the gospel!”

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2018 In May, CLAYTON BORNMAN graduated with a double major in business honors and management from Texas A&M in just three years!

Clayton currently works for Opportune as a consultant in their process and technology group.

Congratulations to RHIANNA BRUEGGER for graduating from Belmont University a year early and continuing her education at the Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt, where she is pursuing her Masters in Elementary Education.

2021 During this April’s Senior Alumni Workshop, our newest alumni were asked to vote for classmates—two girls and two boys—to represent their class as Class Agents. These agents serve as the liaisons between SBS and the Class of 2021 by keeping their class connected to current SBS events, updates and class reunions in the months and years to come.

Congratulations to our newest Class Agents: CAROLINE BOLLING, ELIJAH CRAIG, FRANCESCA GARVIN and STONE HEATON!

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alumni feature

AMY WOODRUFF BAKER ’88 D I A N E VA N Z A N D T C H A M B E R S

P A I G E H A Z E LT I N E W E I D N E R ’ 8 9 D AV I D B O L L I N G ’ 8 3

A M A N D A VA N Z A N D T A N D K I R K C R A I G ’ 9 6

ALISON JONES TIDMORE ’91

J AC K M CC U L LO U G H ’ 9 3

G R A D UAT I N G SECOND

T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F S B S G R A D U AT E S I N C L U D E S PA R E N T S W H O A L S O G R A D U AT E D FROM SBS. OUR ALUMNI REMINISCE ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S AND GRANDCHILDREN’S E X P E R I E N C E S AT T H E S C H O O L T H E Y AT T E N D E D .

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DAVID BOLLING ’83 Daughter: CAROLINE BOLLING ’21 David Bolling started his SBS career in prekindergarten in 1968.

Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: SBS taught me the essentials to lead a productive, God-fearing life.

Q: What role did SBS play in your children’s life?

A: SBS has been an amazing home for my children. I am confident they have been well-trained academically, and I have enjoyed seeing them use their gifts through so many extracurricular activities. Most of all, I’m grateful for the teachers who have partnered with our family to lead our children through the plumb line of scripture and instill a biblical worldview.

Q: What has been the sweetest thing watching your children go through SBS like you did?

A: I have especially enjoyed watching all my kids (and many grades thereafter) singing the song, “How Beautiful,” in the fourth grade Jesus Freak production.

Q: Any additional thoughts or feelings having watched your (now third) child attend and journey through SBS? A: My wife, Dianna, and I are so grateful for the teachers who have poured into our children all these years!

Q: What has changed the most about SBS since you attended?

A: We’ve added a football team!

Q: What has remained the same?

A: I am thankful that God’s Word is still the authority upon which school decisions are made.

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AMY WOODRUFF BAKER ’88 Son: ISAAC BAKER ’21 Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: SBS started me on the right path in life, and I’m seeing that for my three children.

Q: What has been the sweetest thing watching your child go through SBS like you did?

A: I loved watching all three of my kids do the Alamo Texas History project in fourth grade.

Q: Any additional thoughts or feelings having watched Isaac attend and journey through SBS? A: It’s been so fun watching Isaac have Ms. Simonton and Ms. Ware in upper school and remembering the impact and involvement they had on and in my own life as a student.

Q: What has changed the most about SBS since you attended?

A: The addition of the football team, the size of the graduating classes and the use of technology.

Q: What has remained the same?

A: The caring teachers that are so involved in the kids’ lives.

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KIRK AND AMANDA VAN ZANDT CRAIG ’96 Son: ELIJAH CRAIG ’21 Sophia ’23 , Chloe ’2 6, William ’30 life. I knew this community loved me and would support me, even in my moments of doubt, embarrassment, struggle and failure.

Fast forward to our upper school days, when we had so many moments of joy and fun, driving to Galveston (or “tar town” as we called it), playing frisbee on the SBS fields, hanging out after Senior Formal, Prom and Homecoming dances. The community of friendship is still a source of strength for me. I keep in touch with many SBS classmates and remain grateful to SBS for helping shape these lasting relationships.

Furthermore, I learned so many life lessons through the strong curriculum, teachers, coaches and other administrative staff.

In areas where I displayed natural skill and in areas where I was not as gifted, I experienced growth and even excellence through the guidance and challenge of the school’s leadership.

Kirk started in pre-kindergarten in 1982.

Amanda started in the crib, prior to meeting the love of her life over blocks and apple juice in pre-kindergarten.

Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: The friendships and nurturing community of Second Baptist School made a deep and lasting impact on me. Being there since early childhood provided a continuity of being known. Both elders and peers affirmed my gifts and personality, establishing a secure launching pad for my

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Christian love and service was also impressed upon and fostered in our lives as students. Mr. Phillips led our Key Club in a way that placed the responsibility of leadership on the boys, ages 14-18. We were forced to grow up, but we were guided and counseled along the way. I was proud to get up early on Saturday mornings to serve others in different capacities. Additionally, so many teachers modeled discipleship for me, not just in Bible class, but in everyday life.

I have countless memories from my 14 years at Second Baptist School that shaped who I am today. For that, I am thankful.

continued... K I R K A N D A M A N D A V A N Z A N D T C R A I G ’ 9 6 Q: What role did SBS play in your child’s life?

A: SBS provides many of the same foundational elements in Elijah’s life that his mom and I (and grandmother) experienced as students. Elijah had a wonderful community of friends and faculty who saw his true nature and loved it. Teachers, coaches and administrators named and affirmed his gifts along the way, which gave him more solid footing as he makes his entry into adulthood. Elijah knows who he is and that he is loved. He participated in almost every sport at SBS, as well as most of the musical opportunities. Some of the happiest moments of celebration among the community came from that team involvement.

Q: What has been the sweetest thing watching your children go through SBS like you did?

A: Now that Elijah has graduated, I see more clearly how the puzzle comes together. He has forged wonderful friendships, gained confidence, grown in his relationship with Jesus and is now prepared for the next step of development in college.

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Q: Any additional thoughts or feelings having watched your child attend and journey through SBS. A: Elijah was able to have two of the same great teachers Amanda and I had as students: Ruth Ann Jones and Jeannene Simonton. Those full circle moments are precious. I also remember our own squaredancing days, President’s Program, prom and attending football games with the whole SBS community. Even still, walking into the cafeteria brings back so many memories.

Q: What has changed the most about SBS since you attended?

A: Besides having to refer to the “new” gym as the E Gym, I would say the technology, the upper school class scheduling system, the various levels of academic rigor including AP, Honors, Academic, etc., and the way that math is taught. The variety of options for classes and co-curricular activities have also increased.

Q: What has stayed the same?

A: Two things have remained the same.

The first being the kind, loving and nurturing faculty and staff who know and love the students. Second, I know that I can still walk past the E.P. West Room, along the C (“Old”) Gym, through the loading dock to get to the E Gym, avoiding the long loop around the Atrium.

DIANE VAN ZANDT CHAMBERS Star ted at SBS downtown campus in 195 4 Mother to Amanda Van Zandt Craig ’96 and Marilyn Van Zandt Kehr ’94; Grandmother to Elijah Craig ’21 and his three younger siblings: Sophia Craig ’23, Chloe Craig ’26 and Will Craig ’30 Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: SBS was our life, and what a great life it was! From PK-12, it was what we did, daily.

Q: What was the sweetest thing about having your own children— and now grandchildren—attend SBS? A: They get to experience, for themselves, the beautiful memories that I had growing up, and they are memories that last a lifetime.

Your grandchildren are the softest bone on your body. Seeing them grow spiritually, mentally and physically into who God created them to be is the best life has to offer.

Q: What has stayed the same since you attended?

A: The strong stand for Christ remains.

I love that!

SBS is one of the treasures of my life.

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(JAMES) JACK MCCULLOUGH ’93 Son: JACK MCCULLOUGH ’21 Q: What has been the sweetest thing watching Jack go through SBS like you did?

A: When dropping Jack off in the morning or picking him up after school, I would frequently share “back in the day” stories about my own memories of Second Baptist School: acorn fights, carpool moms forgetting to pick us up, hanging out and socializing in the student parking lot. The list goes on, but the best part is how welcoming everyone at SBS has been towards Jack and our family ever since his eighth grade shadow day. Jack has made a special group of friends whom we believe he’ll stay close to far beyond graduation.

Jack (father) Lifer/Started in PK4 Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: When I look back at the role SBS played in my life, the principles I learned and my walk with Christ were my biggest takeaways.

While I was academically prepared for college, it is the solid foundation in Christ that was laid early for me at SBS. Q: What role did SBS play in Jack’s life?

A: Jack came from a very small school with only two students in his eighth grade class, and after four years of SBS, is leaving extremely prepared for college. Knowing Jack will be bombarded by all kinds of worldly distractions and temptations, I believe SBS has helped nurture and solidify his foundation in Christ, as well as provided an excellent academic foundation. The last four years have flown by, and we are excited to see our son walk through the next four years and beyond.

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Q: Any additional thoughts or feelings having watched Jack attend and journey through SBS? A: It was special that Jack had Ms. Simonton like I did for senior Bible class and my former English teacher, Ms. Sims, walked alongside him through the college guidance process.

The icing on the cake was watching Jack walk across the same Worship Center stage just like I did 28 years ago at graduation!

Q: What has changed the most about SBS since you attended?

A: The campus, community time, the bin schedule and the football games being played on campus.

Q: What has remained the same?

A: So many of the people I went to school with have come back to be a part of SBS. The dedication to the spiritual and academic growth of the student body remains intact since I graduated in 1993.

ALISON JONES TIDMORE ’91 Daughter: CLAIRE TIDMORE ’21 Kylie ’18, Jackson ’23 Q: What role did SBS play in your child’s life?

A: I believe so strongly that SBS helped “rescue” my kids. After starting in a public high school, my kids’ experienced things that crushed their spirit. For us personally, we needed to do something different. After taking time off to stay at home with my kids in 2003, I applied to (re)teach at SBS. Once I returned, my kids all became very interested in SBS for themselves. Claire is my second child and came to SBS her sophomore year, jumping right into theatre, swimming and all things academic! Now, she is headed off to college to pursue a biomedical science degree. I know SBS encouraged her love of learning and gave her the confidence to pursue her dream.

Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: SBS has played a huge role in my life.

My family and I came to Second Baptist Church when I was in the seventh grade.

When we learned about the school, my dad decided he wanted “all his girls” at SBS. My mom applied to teach, and my sister and I applied as students. SBS provided a place where I could mature and grow as a Christian. It helped shape me into the person I am today, and I wanted that for my own kids. SBS is such a special place!

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With Kylie ’18, my oldest, pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies in college and my youngest, Jackson ’23, thriving in athletics and academics, I can testify that, despite all three of my kids being very different, SBS has found a way to meet them right where they are, tap into and develop their strengths and talents, show them their value and worth and encourage them to see how God uniquely made them to pursue all things with excellence.

Q: What has been the sweetest thing watching your children go through SBS like you did?

A: I love that, among other things, we have SBS tying us together. SBS is full of tradition, and I love seeing my kids get to do so many of the same things I was able to do.

P A I G E H A Z E LT I N E W E I D N E R ’ 8 9 Daughter: KYLIE WEIDNER ’21 Q: What role did SBS play in your life?

A: Lasting friendships.

Q: What role did SBS play in Kylie’s life?

A: A place to return to when we moved back to the United States TWICE! Q: What has been the sweetest thing watching Kylie go through SBS like you did?

A: Kylie and I both loved having one of the best teachers, Ms. Simonton, even if it was for different subjects. Simo taught me math and Kylie, senior Bible.

Q: Any additional thoughts or feelings having watched Kylie attend and journey through SBS? A: It’s been so special having Kylie graduate from the same school and graduate with classmates she’s had since prekindergarten.

Q: What has changed the most about SBS since you attended?

A: Sports. Fashion trends (then vs. now), and the addition of three more floors in the E building.

Q: What has remained the same?

A: The tradition of having and celebrating our “Lifers”—the students who have attended SBS since PK4, fun field trips and Interim Term.

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CLASS OF

THINK. LIVE. LEAD.

2016

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Second Baptist School provides a world-class education for the leaders of tomorrow. And, leaders we have—TODAY! Alumni from the Class of 2016 enjoyed and learned from a breadth of educational opportunities during their time at SBS and stepped into their next five years ready and able to THINK critically, LIVE biblically and LEAD courageously into college and future careers. Here are just a few portraits of our Class of 2016 graduates and where they are now.

Jordan Alexandria Hayley

THINK. LIVE. LEAD.

After graduating from SBS, Jordan obtained dual degrees from Liberty University in May 2020.

In addition to receiving a BA in International Relations and BS in Military History, Jordan earned the high honor of Valedictorian of the Helms School of Government.

Following her time at Liberty, Jordan served as Director of External Affairs White House Office of Personnel as a presidential appointee, then moved to the Pentagon as a special advisor to the acting secretary of defense under the Trump administration. Currently, Jordan is the chief of staff for Boundary Channel Partners in Washington, D.C. Jordan shares, “I had the job of a lifetime being at the White House and then the Pentagon every day. I met some incredible people and had amazing experiences being in the center of U.S. Policy and getting to serve as an integral team member at such a time in our history. Now, I am working with my former team from the Pentagon and consulting some of the most prestigious companies in the U.S. My time is split between the East and West Coasts, but Houston and SBS will always be home to me.”

As Jordan reflects on her time at SBS, “All of the teachers and administrators at SBS had an impact on me—Mrs. Towery, Mr. Burnham and Mrs. Oliphant, just to name a few. They pushed me, encouraged me and counseled me spiritually and academically, helping grow and advance my future academic aspirations. SBS fosters relationships between students and teachers that last well beyond graduation. Their influence has helped me get where I am today.”

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THINK. LIVE. LEAD.

Rachel Geddes

Rachel started attending SBS as a sophomore and went on to graduate from Baylor University in 2019 with a BA in Religion. Rachel states, “While at SBS, my Bible and English teachers helped prepare me for where I am today—giving me the tools and skills to articulate properly and learn and process the work of God both personally and communally.”

Rachel is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity and working towards ordination in the Baptist church. She hopes to be a pastor, and in her own words, is “just following where God leads.”

She continues, “I love getting to grow spiritually and theologically through life and my areas of study. I am constantly thinking about how God works in our lives and how He continues showing us ways to best minister to people all over our world. I have a high interest in helping provide more equity through the church as the church seeks to serve marginalized communities focusing on reconciliation and justice work. Simply put, my heart is for people, and I love seeing how God is working in the lives of those around me. While at Duke, I am interning at various organizations through field placement and feel so grateful to be challenged and to experience the power of both mercy and justice.”

Brea Groce

Brea attended SBS for upper school and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2020 with a Bachelors in Education and Math. A year later, Brea obtained her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

She is currently teaching seventh grade math at Timberwood Middle School in Humble ISD and a part of Sam Houston’s 4+1 Teach Masters Internship Program.

Brea states, “I love making a difference in the lives of my students and helping them develop their math skills and a love for math. My SBS math teachers inspired me and prepared me to become the math teacher I am today. I miss them and am so grateful for them.”

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Corbin Schwinger After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in December 2020 with a degree in Human Dimensions of Organizations, Corbin began working as a project engineer at Hoar Construction.

Looking back over his last four years, Corbin says, “College was no easy road for me.

Balancing college-life and school was quite a challenge. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year when I started as a student manager for the Longhorn football team, that I finally found my footing and learned the value of being part of a team.”

He continues, “Working 40+ hours a week on top of school, to being driven hard by Coach Herman, I learned many life lessons. As part of this particular team, no matter the situation, there were others around me, encouraging and stretching me. Through that experience, I not only found my people, but found myself.

Returning to Houston and joining an industry not directly related to my major is proof that you can really do anything you want if you set your mind to it.”

Since coming back to Houston, I have reunited with many old SBS friends and hope to reconnect with even more. I loved the friends I made at SBS and wouldn’t trade them for anything. When it came to the teachers and staff, Coach Lane was always such a blessing to be around; his authenticity and positivity were contagious. He frequently delivered meaningful messages in class or Chapel that I’ve carried with me into young adulthood. I’m so thankful I had Coach Lane as a teacher, coach, mentor and role model.”

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THINK. LIVE. LEAD. Esther Maabena Yeboah After SBS Lifer, Esther, said goodbye to SBS, she went on to obtain her BS in Biology from Bryn Mawr College in 2020. Currently taking a gap year before medical school, Esther is working for a customer service company from her home in Houston. She shares, “My interest in medicine developed from wanting to make life better for people by finding cures.”

In this brief period before medical school, Esther states, “I believe that God is teaching me about depending on him as well as his love for me and other people.” As an SBS alumna, Esther reflects, “What I truly appreciate about my time at SBS was going to a school that honored God. I remember the impact that Bible class had on me starting in lower school and how there was such a respect for God’s Word within the community. I am so grateful for the prayers of faculty, staff, classmates and their parents and for the many friendships I made there.”

Christa Winburn

After seven years as an Eagle, Christa attended Texas A&M University where she earned a degree in mechanical engineering. About her upper school experience at SBS, she states, “I really enjoyed my honors and AP physics classes. The projects we did in both introduced me to the engineering process and inspired me to pursue engineering in college.”

Christa immediately began working as a mechanical engineer at Schlumberger after A&M as a part of their OneStart Engineering Training Program. She is currently rotating through the different product groups in order to learn more about each product the company offers. At the conclusion of this program, Christa will be a design engineer, creating subsea oil and gas equipment.

“I really enjoy the design aspects of my job. Using the knowledge I gained through my degree to solve problems is really interesting. There’s always a new problem to solve, and I enjoy using my skills to find solutions,” Christa says.

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questions W I T H S B S PA R E N T S

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What is your favorite family tradition? Easter Sunday church with family, Second Baptist School Homecoming, watching Elf at Christmas time and counting blessings

What is something your children always say to you?

“Mom/Dad, stop,” “Gross,” “What’s for dinner?” “I love you!”

3

What thing have you done in your life that would surprise your child(ren)? “I grew up without a cell phone,” “I’ve been bungee jumping,” “I ate ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a full week!”

If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

Walk into the Oval Office, follow my kids around, play tricks on people all day long and sneak backstage at a concert

If you could invent something that would make life easier, what would it be? A self-cleaning house, a fax machine that faxed objects you forgot at home, a safe and effective way to get rid of weeds...for good

If you could give one gift to every parent in the world, what gift would you give?

Discernment, patience, a paid vacation with family, a massage, wisdom and time

What do you do that embarrasses your children?

Cheer too loud at their sporting events, dance and sing, everything

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What was the worst part about being a student when you were in school?

Homework, tests, tricky multiplechoice questions, navigating middle school friendships

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If you could make one rule that everyone in the world had to follow, what rule would you make? Be kind, have mercy, one hour of silence a day

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What is your child’s favorite school lunch? Pizza, sesame chicken, Salisbury steak, green beans, taquitos, breakfast for lunch

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What is your most unusual talent? Shaving my face, wiggling my eyes, creating transforming costumes, imitating the sound a squirrel makes

What is one thing in your life you couldn’t live without? Laughter, purpose, family, the Holy Spirit, books, music, God’s Word

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What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about God? Hope, love, power, mercy, Father, abundant blessings

What Bible character would you like to meet in person?

Paul, Job, Thomas, Esther, Moses, Jesus, Daniel

If you could travel back in time ten years and visit your younger self, what advice would you give yourself?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, buy Bitcoin, cherish every minute, write down the special moments, when you are walking with your father God, you’ll know what you need to know when you need to know it and you’ll have what you need to have when you need to have it – so relax and enjoy the journey!

Who makes you belly laugh?

My husband, my children, lower school students, Kevin James, Stone Heaton

What isn’t real but you desperately wish it were?

Flying cars, unicorns, time travel, money trees – so I could do more for people without a budget

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If you could teach your child only one thing, what would it be? Love God and people with all your heart, be respectful, study the Bible, be bold for Jesus

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What is the hardest part of being a parent? Seeing your child hurt, trusting God with your children and staying calm in tough situations

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What do you love most about SBS? The community, the unapologetic stance on teaching our children about the love of Jesus Christ, the students

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We can’t wait to welcome you back to your Second Home!

ANNIVERSARY

WEEKEND

C E L E B R AT I O N

APRIL 22-23, 2022

PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If this magazine is addressed to a graduate who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, notify the Office of Alumni Relations at sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org. Please forward this edition of the Eagle on to your SBS graduate. Thank you.

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